India’s IT sector, long celebrated for powering the nation’s economic growth and global digital prowess, is facing an alarming and often overlooked crisis: a rising tide of suicides among its workforce. As India’s overall suicide rate climbs reaching 12.4 per 100,000 people in 2022, the highest on record; the tech industry’s struggles with mental health, workplace stress, and job insecurity are coming into sharper focus.
The IT sector is notorious for its demanding schedules. Employees often grapple with tight deadlines, round-the-clock support for global clients, and the expectation to be constantly available. This relentless pace can quickly lead to burnout, exhaustion, and a sense of isolation.
Rapid technological change means that IT professionals must continually upskill to remain relevant. The threat of layoffs, automation, and shifting project requirements creates a climate of uncertainty and anxiety. Many workers fear falling behind or losing their jobs, fueling chronic stress.
Despite growing awareness, mental health remains a taboo subject in many Indian workplaces. Employees hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment or negative career repercussions. As a result, many suffer in silence, with their struggles going unnoticed until it’s too late.
Many IT professionals live far from family support networks, especially in major tech hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune. The absence of a strong social safety net can make it harder to cope with personal and professional challenges.
India’s suicide statistics paint a grim picture. The country recorded 171,000 suicides in 2022;a 27% increase since 2018 making it the world’s highest in absolute numbers. While daily wage earners constitute the largest group, suicides among educated professionals and students are also rising. In higher education, including premier technical institutions, suicide rates and dropouts have seen exponential increases in recent year. Though sector-specific data for IT is limited, anecdotal evidence and media reports suggest a disturbing uptick in suicides and mental health crises among tech workers.
Behind every statistic is a personal tragedy. Young IT professionals, often in the prime of their lives, are succumbing to pressures that could be alleviated with the right support. Family problems, illness, addiction, and sudden economic changes are among the leading causes of suicide in India, but in the IT sector, workplace stress and burnout are increasingly cited as triggers.
Companies must break the stigma by fostering open conversations about mental health, providing access to counseling, and training managers to recognize warning signs. Flexible hours, reasonable workloads, and mandatory time off can help prevent burnout and create a healthier work environment. Encouraging peer support groups, mentorship programs, and employee resource networks can help workers feel less isolated. Policy interventions such as strengthening the National Mental Health Programme and improving access to mental health care are crucial for long-term change.
