Determinants Of Mental Health And Wellbeing: Evidence From Women It Employees In Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

As of 2024, women’s participation in India’s workforce was 28.69% (ILO). In 2025, 34% of women were engaged in the IT sector (NASSCOM). Women’s representation across all sectors in India is increasing significantly. However, women in the IT sector face multidimensional challenges in their workplaces and families, including inflexible working hours, large tasks with limited time, gender disparity, lower salaries compared to men, and job insecurity. These issues are associated with adverse effects on women’s mental health and wellbeing. Married women experience these challenges more acutely due to a lack of work-life balance in the IT sector. The study found that 42% of surveyed women in Chennai’s IT sector reported divorce, citing work-related challenges as a contributing factor. Additionally, the study identified limited mental or emotional support from family members, particularly in their husbands’ households, where women are required to manage household chores, childcare, and other responsibilities. This study examines the determinants of mental health and wellbeing among women in the IT sector in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, using quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Primary data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire from TCS, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, and HCL. The study recommends adopting an AI-powered “Never Alone” program, designed to provide mental health support through virtual counseling and resources, to improve the mental health of women in IT. Based on its findings, the study also proposes policy recommendations to strengthen the mental health and wellbeing of women in the IT sector, with potential implications for women throughout India.