Latest news with #RajivMehta
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Workplace anxiety in Gen Z: Experts share how emails may cause stress and suggest strategies to help
Workplace anxiety doesn't always come from deadlines, presentations, or performance reviews. Sometimes, it comes from seemingly routine tasks, like sending an email. Email communication is widely used in the workplace, and Gen Z, who are stepping into the workforce, may often find it overwhelming, as they often they are more accustomed to the casual tone of social media, causing them to overthink their emails more frequently. Gen Z may get anxiety from work communication.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Career gaps are the new cool among young professionals? Micro-retirement is the rising trend to fight workplace burnout Since email is an everyday part of work life, anxiety related to follow-ups or even a mail for requesting leave can snowball into larger mental health and work performance concerns over time. HT Lifestyle reached out to experts who shared how to address workplace anxiety in different ways, offering actionable solutions for both individuals and organisations. Psychiatrist Dr Rajiv Mehta, Senior Consultant of Psychiatry at Sir Ganaga Ram Hospital, shared with HT Lifestyle how email may be a source of stress. He said, 'Gen Z, also called digital natives, has started entering the workforce. Often, they have heightened anxiety, which influences even routine tasks as small as sending emails. So email as a communication tool often becomes a source of significant stress, impacting their productivity. The anxiety is also generated from uncertainty around professional etiquette.' But heavily relying on email communication only in the workplace may be problematic as he said,"On the other hand, many use email to avoid direct conversations, which for them may be awkward. Email in this aspect becomes a safer and more controlled way of communication. However, this can be 'anxious-avoidant behaviour,' hindering their personality development." Why Gen Z may get anxiety in the workplace from emails? Knowing the roots of workplace anxiety helps to manage it better.(Shutterstock) Dr Rajiv Mehta further listed out the key reasons and consequences of this anxiey: 1. Reason: Most of Gen Z is not sure about the appropriate level of formality, tone, sign-offs, when to follow up, or even if emojis are acceptable. This leads to excessive detailing, overthinking every word written, delaying sends, and observing minor mistakes like spelling errors as catastrophic. So the ruminations about the correctness keep them occupied. 2. Consequence: Obsession around emails may lead to difficulty concentrating, decreased productivity, and increased absenteeism. Performance anxiety, fear to express constructive criticism, and anxious about taking on leadership roles are other areas of concern for them. It's often observed that they prioritize mental well-being and flexibility, often leaving jobs that don't align with these needs. Managerial strategies to reduce anxiety While email communication may be one source of workplace anxiety for Gen Z, there are bigger issues at play, from lack of psychological safety and support systems to unclear expectations. That's why identifying effective strategies that team leads, managers, and organisations can execute is key to alleviating workplace anxiety at large. Neha Mishra, Senior Vice President, Human Resources at Homesfy Realty, shared these 4 strategies to reduce anxiety at work: Employee recognition in the workplace is a vital part of company culture and also to reduce anxiety. A gamified performance rewards system, in tandem with public peer shout-outs and monthly recognition for leadership values like empathy, creativity, and collaboration, helps. The organisation calendar must include 'Wellness Weeks' where employees participate in wellness challenges, yoga sessions, and inter-office sports. Develop a strong support system. Granting resources like counselling services ensures employees have a safety net during challenging times. Regular feedback loops help create adaptive and impactful support systems. To tackle disengagment from anxiety, organisations must run continuous listening programmes and mood surveys across all teams to measure energy levels and mental health. Based on this, team leaders can receive real-time insights that allow swift action,whether it means realignment, a reset, or just a one-on-one conversation. 10 email writing tips for Gen Z On an individual level, to reduce anxiety, especially related to email communication, consider improving how you write emails. Here are 10 email writing tips shared by Taylor Elizabeth, Emotional Intelligence and Etiquette Coach, and Founder & CEO of The Elegance Advisor:
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Major Crimes Against Minors: 5 Arrests Daily For Child Abuse
New Delhi: On an average, five people were arrested daily in the city this year for allegedly sexually assaulting or abusing minors, with four cases registered each day under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso). Investigation revealed that in most instances, the accused were known to the survivors, often being family members or neighbours. Police also noted that some families hesitated to cooperate for fear of social stigma or due to familiarity with the accused. According to Delhi Police data, till May this year, 543 cases were registered, resulting in 697 arrests. Of these, 508 cases were solved. The incidents involved various forms of abuse, including rape, molestation and eve-teasing. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Police reported that the perpetrators used deceptive tactics to gain the trust of their targets, often luring them under some pretext. In some cases, they took the minors to other locations under false pretences, where the assaults occurred. "The accused either lived with the survivor's families or were well known to them, granting easy access to their homes and personal spaces," an officer said, adding that this familiarity allowed the accused to exploit the minors without immediately raising suspicion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo According to officers, investigations become particularly challenging when the survivor is very young. Children over 10 years old can provide statements directly, but for those aged four or five, police must rely on their mothers to communicate details. "Sometimes there is a language barrier, so we use interpreters," the officer said. A major challenge arises when families withdraw complaints after reporting a crime, often due to social stigma, concerns about perceived "honour", or because the accused is a relative. "Family members often pressure the survivor to retract the complaint in such cases," another officer said, adding that this usually complicates efforts to secure conviction. The officer suggested that some accused suffer from psychological illnesses, which may contribute to their involvement in such crimes. Police also noted that minors are also vulnerable on social media. "There are cases where unknown individuals befriend children online and obtain private pictures or videos through deceit or manipulation. These children are then subjected to sexual harassment through blackmail," the officer said. To combat harassment and eve-teasing in public spaces, Delhi Police have launched targeted initiatives such as 'Shishtachar Squad'. According to Dr Rajiv Mehta, senior consultant psychiatrist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, children are targeted due to several reasons. "Firstly, they are not physically strong. Secondly, fear can be easily instilled in them. Thirdly, they can be lured easily and often do not understand what is happening. In some cases, the accused even tell them that they are just playing games," he said. "Parents should teach children about good and bad touch, and after an incident, they must take action against the perpetrators — even if the person is known to them or from within the family. They should not prioritise saving the family's 'pride', because such incidents can have a long-term impact on the child," he added.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
HDB to debut on Mumbai bourse following biggest Indian IPO of 2025
The IPO is the biggest since Hyundai Motor India Ltd.'s record $3.3 billion deal in October and comes as institutional share placements and listings are picking up after a lull Bloomberg Shares of HDB Financial Services Ltd. will start trading in Mumbai on Wednesday after the shadow lender's ₹12,500 crore ($1.5 billion) initial public offering — India's biggest this year — attracted strong demand from investors. HDB, a unit of India's biggest private lender HDFC Bank Ltd., sold shares at ₹740 apiece, the top of their marketed range. The offering lured interest from global funds such as those managed by Morgan Stanley and Allianz SE, as well as from domestic institutions like Life Insurance Corp. of India. The IPO is the biggest since Hyundai Motor India Ltd.'s record $3.3 billion deal in October and comes as institutional share placements and listings are picking up after a lull that followed a blockbuster 2024. India's $5.4 trillion stock market is booming again on the back of foreign inflows, with the benchmark index approaching a record high. A solid debut for HDB could augur well for some other closely watched deals expected later this year, including those of Tata Capital Ltd. and the domestic unit of South Korea's LG Electronics Inc. Shadow lenders like HDB typically target customers underserved or unserved by banks because of a limited credit history and low income, making them a crucial part of the financial landscape in the world's most populous nation. Their business is seen benefiting in the current environment as the Indian central bank has taken aggressive efforts to stimulate the economy via interest-rate cuts and liquidity injections. 'There will be investor interest because of HDB's asset size and parentage. It's a strong brand play,' said Rajnath Yadav, an analyst at Choice Equity Broking Pvt. Further, the Indian central bank's recent policy measures are favorable for shadow lenders, he added. HDB has a loan book of almost $12 billion and operates more than 1,700 branches with about 90,000 employees, according to its IPO document. Rajiv Mehta, an analyst at Yes Securities India Ltd., says HDB's 'palatable IPO valuation' offers an attractive opportunity for returns. The stock is priced at about 3.4 times book value on a trailing 12-month basis, a discount to peer Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Co. that has a valuation of 5.7 times, according to Mehta. India's top shadow lender Bajaj Finance Ltd. trades at 6 times its book while Sundaram Finance Ltd. is valued at more than 4 times, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. A dozen banks have helped arrange the HDB deal, including BNP Paribas SA, JM Financial Ltd., and Bank of America Corp.
Hindustan Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
10 reasons why employees are scared to talk to HR and how AI may help bridge the gap
Burnout, fatigue, or juggling personal commitments while also managing work responsibilities can feel like walking a tightrope. There may be times when everything may feel mentally overwhelming. While communicating these needs to HR, perhaps to reduce the workload or maybe request flexibility with WFH (work from home), could help ease the situation, still, employees choose to hold back and hesitate to open up, continuing to endure in silence. But AI is silently tipping the scales in their favour, creating a judgment-free space. ALSO READ: Manager's guide to employee wellbeing: 5 warning signs of emotional distress to watch out for at work HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand why some employees may not be able to open up about their personal or mental health issues, and what can be done about it. Dr Rajiv Mehta, Vice-Chairperson of Psychiatry at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, shared with HT Lifestyle a few psychological reasons why employees may hesitate to reach out to HR at work: He said, 'Many Employees often find it problematic to discuss difficulties and problems with their HR due to various reasons. However, the perception develops based on the experience of other employees and also on the intensity and frequency of sharing the difficulties.' Dr Rajiv Mehta listed out 10 reasons: Anonymous AI-powered support tools, however, are quietly changing the landscape in modern workplaces, sliding into the dm of corporate culture and bringing in new possibilities. These tools help tackle sensitive situations more strategically, cutting through the silence. Vikas Kakkar, CEO and Founder of shared with HT Lifestyle how AI chatbots offer a non-judgmental, confidential space for employees to open up. He said, 'As the founder of an employee engagement platform, I believe that traditional surveys and open forums frequently fail in today's high-pressure workplace. When the stakes are high, people are reluctant to be completely honest. But anonymous AI-powered platforms give businesses a more accurate sense of workplace satisfaction, burnout, mental health, and even problems like bias or toxicity. The goal is to scale human connection, not to replace it. AI chatbots are being used by industries like tech, BFSI, healthcare, and education to improve employee support. Beyond mere convenience, these tools seek to create judgment-free spaces where employees can freely express their opinions.' While traditional surveys or forums may not offer much transparency, anonymous AI-driven platforms help organisations listen better and make it easier for employees to open up, acting as an efficient bridge. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Talk to Me, Amazon Shopping App: How AI Could Sort Through All the Products You're Looking At
Online shopping excursions can quickly get overwhelming as you plow through product pages to find what's really right for you. Now Amazon is trying out a new tool to help you figure out potential purchases. All you have to do is listen. With Memorial Day deals in full swing, the e-commerce giant is making a trial run with short audio summaries for Amazon Shopping app users, delivered by "AI-powered shopping experts" that will analyze product details, customer reviews and other information they find on the web. "The feature makes product research fun and convenient — it's like having helpful friends discuss potential purchases to make your shopping easier," Rajiv Mehta, Amazon's vice president of search and conversational shopping, wrote in a blog post Wednesday. Amazon is starting out the "hear the highlights" AI feature in the US for a "subset" of customers on a limited number products before rolling it out more broadly in the coming months. Those products include the Ninja Blender, OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil, the Rain Showers Splash Pond Toddler Water Table, the SafeRest 100% Waterproof King Size Mattress Protector and the Shokz OpenRun Pro Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones. The new Amazon feature is another iteration in what has become an AI flood tide in online shopping. Google earlier this week introduced AI Mode, which is designed to suggest, select and pay for items for you, and also showed off a new AI service called Try On that depicts how clothes you see online will look on you. Walmart is working on its own AI shopping agent to perform tasks such as placing reorders and filling online shopping baskets based on user suggestions. And Shopify has launched Bluecore, which can answer shopper questions and recommend products. Klarna has an AI shopping assistant for comparison shopping. CNET deals expert Adam Oram noted that Amazon's new audio summaries will have to prove their value for consumers. "This feature may be helpful for some shoppers, as there's a lot of information on an Amazon product page and it can be difficult to parse all of it to find out what you need to know," he said. "But it's worth noting that there is a risk with it incorporating customer reviews, especially as these have been known to be gamed in the past. There's also the inherent risk of LLMs hallucinating, which may lead to inaccuracies if this is applied at scale, which is the opposite of what people making buying decisions need." As always with generative AI tools, it's essential to not take results at face value and to do some double-checking. "Using tools to help you gain a sense of what you're looking at quickly is generally a good idea, so long as you follow up with your own research to vet that the information is accurate," said Adrian Marlow, another member of the CNET Deals team. Consumer skepticism could be at least a short-term hurdle for all AI e-commerce tools. A recent study commissioned by Akeneo, a product experience company, showed that only 45% of consumers have "some level of trust in AI-powered recommendations and chatbots to provide accurate product suggestions based on their interests and preferences." The research also found that only 38% of shoppers who've used AI chatbots reported being satisfied with the support they received. Amazon, with net sales of nearly $638 billion last year, is incorporating AI into more and more sectors of its business. Rufus is a generative AI shopping assistant, Alexa Plus has been revamped and Audible will start using AI to narrate audiobooks.
