Beneath the hustle of corporate culture, a silent health crisis is brewing in India. A new report reveals that chronic illnesses are striking Indian employees nearly a decade earlier than their counterparts in developed nations.
The report by Plum, an employee health benefits platform, showed that chronic illness hits working professionals by the age of 40. The report also indicates that many employees face poor mental health, especially anxiety and burnout.
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Key findings highlight the early onset of serious conditions: heart disease by age 32, cancer by 33, diabetes by 34, chronic kidney disease by 35, and strokes by 36. The report noted that 40 per cent of employees take at least one sick day each month for mental health reasons, and 1 in 5 are considering quitting due to burnout.
This trend threatens both employee well-being and workforce productivity, the report said. Despite rising health concerns, only 20% of companies offer regular health check-ups—and just 38% of employees use them.
According to Plum, chronic illnesses cost companies up to 30 days per employee annually in productivity losses and disengagement.
The report urged Indian companies to redefine “value” in employee benefits, by prioritising prevention, holistic care, and addressing the unique needs of their workforce.
“We need to urge companies to think of healthcare beyond the transactional nature of insurance. True employee well-being lies in providing access to holistic healthcare solutions that encompass mental, physical, and social well-being,” said Abhishek Poddar, Co-founder of Plum.
