STORY IN BRIEF
Celebrated badminton player Jwala Gutta slammed L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan for promoting Sunday work and comments viewed as misogynistic, stating men prefer work to being at home. His light-hearted remarks over mental health breaks sparked public outcry. Highlighting the significance of work-life balance and mental well-being, Gutta’s criticism underscores growing discontent with toxic workplace cultures. She urged corporate leaders to adopt empathetic, inclusive practices that value employee wellness.
Legal Framework
- Key laws that seek to guarantee equitable working conditions and employee welfare form the foundation of India's legal framework for corporate and industrial workers.
- While the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code updates workplace safety and welfare regulations, the Factories Act establishes guidelines for working hours, safety precautions, and amenities like canteens and medical care in factories.
- The Employees' State Insurance Act offers maternity benefits and necessary health insurance to workers in factories.
- The Companies Act and the Mental Healthcare Act place a strong emphasis on workplace governance and mental health, while state-specific Shops and Establishments Acts oversee work hours, vacations, and employment conditions for corporations.
- In order to achieve equitable compensation, the Equal Remuneration Act tackles salary differences based on gender.
Key Comparisons
|
Aspect |
Factory Workers |
Corporate Workers |
|
Regulating Laws |
Factories Act, 1948, Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 |
Shops and Establishments Act, corporate policies |
|
Working Hours |
Max 9 hours/day, 48 hours/week, OT paid at double wages |
Generally 8-9 hours/day, OT policies vary by company |
|
Weekly Off |
Mandatory 1 weekly holiday |
Typically 1 weekly off, but flexible policies exist |
|
Mental Health |
Addressed under OSH Code, 2020, minimal practical emphasis |
Addressed in corporate policies, focus increasing but inconsistent |
|
Benefits |
ESI, PF, gratuity, paid leave, canteen, housing where applicable |
Health insurance, PF, gratuity, paid leave, performance bonuses |
The debate brings into focus the mounting mental health burdens on corporate employees, which have been caused by long working hours, job insecurity, and pressure to perform. At the same time, wage inequality among laborers and workers in different sectors remains a serious issue, although regulations are constantly changing.
Therefore, a balanced approach that brings together equitable pay structures, mental health policies, and regulated work hours is critical for creating healthier workplaces across sectors.
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