Ergonomics for mind – promoting mental health at work

A healthy workforce is economically imperative for an organization, and for the same reason companies should take responsibility to safeguard the health of its employees. The liability does not get restricted with protection against occupational injuries or hazards but extend to mental strain and stress too, caused by unreasonable workloads, high pressure management tactics, exhaustion, criticisms, poor communication channels, low social support and irregular work timings to name few. The fundamental principle of Ergonomics, i.e. modulating conditions at work for safety, can be applied for promoting mental health as well. The paper discusses few successful interventional strategies, targeted at organizational culture, work design and psycho social aspects reported by different authors to alleviate work related stress. The integration of such an understanding at all sectors of Indian work environment, and not just limiting too few corporates, will help in creating a healthy and safe work culture for all.