In today’s fast-paced professional world, the workplace is bombarded with pressures from deadlines, high expectations, and fierce competition. However, beneath this hustle is a frequently overlooked issue: stress and anxiety. These mental health issues are quietly affecting employees, leading to problems like burnout, absenteeism, and declining morale within businesses.According to a World Health Organisation report, stress is now the leading cause of workplace absences, with 77% of professionals reporting symptoms of burnout. Meanwhile, another study in the American Psychological Association highlights that 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress, with nearly half admitting it affects their personal relationships.Dr. Ishan Shivanand, a mental health researcher and the founder of Yoga of Immortals, in an exclusive chat with FPJ, highlights why these challenges are significant and what organisations can do to address them effectively.What’s fuelling this rise?According to Dr. Ishan, there are several traits that lead to stress and anxiety symptoms in the workplace. The major causes are: Digital trap: Always-on work culture—notifications, emails, and virtual meetings—blurs the lines between professional and personal time.Work pressure: The push for constant productivity has replaced the natural rhythms of effort and rest with unrelenting demands.Isolation: Even in crowded offices or virtual meetings, many feel isolated, disconnected from meaningful relationships or purpose at work.The pressures have made anxiety the silent epidemic of workplaces worldwide. Treat the root cause, not the symptoms What is often missing from workplace stress management programmes is a focus on holistic solutions. While many organisations now offer mental health days or employee assistance programs, they often treat symptoms, not the root causes. Dr. Ishan emphasises, "Stress and anxiety affect not only mental health—they manifest physically. Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, digestion, and also immune responses, which only deepens the cycle."The treatment lies in addressing the body, mind, and spirit in totality. Practices like meditation and breathwork offer a promising path forward. Dr. Ishan points out, "Integrative practices like meditation and breathwork have been scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone."Multiple studies support the effectiveness of such approaches, showing that consistent meditative practices can significantly help in managing anxiety disorders. "Organisations that embrace these methods often see tangible benefits: reduced stress leads to increased engagement, higher retention rates, and ultimately, a healthier bottom line," the expert adds. The role of purposeful practicesThe increase in stress levels points to a more significant issue—our workplaces have become transactional in nature. When employees feel disconnected from their purpose, work becomes a source of stress instead of fulfilment.The mental health researcher suggests, "Employees who practice structured meditation or breathwork report not only lower stress but also higher clarity and emotional resilience. Even dedicated timings during a day can create a significant impact."What can be done? As workplaces evolve, they must prioritise mental well-being as a core part of their culture. Building resilience does not happen overnight, but with consistent, integrative practices, the benefits become evident. Reduced absenteeism, greater productivity, and more engaged employees are the outcomes of workplaces that actively address stress and anxiety. In the end, addressing workplace stress is not just about managing symptoms. It is about creating an environment where people thrive, not just survive.