Assam Tea Estate Executives Face Mental Health Crisis as Colonial-Era Perks Vanish
A new study has revealed that the reduction of perks inherited from the British colonial era is contributing to mental health issues among executives in Assam’s tea estates. The study, conducted by researchers from Dibrugarh University, highlights how lifestyle-related benefits that were once standard for executives have largely disappeared, leading to increased workplace stress.
British planters began commercial tea production in Assam 200 years ago, providing luxury bungalows, clubs, and golf courses for executives to combat isolation. However, decades after India's independence, industry deregulation, government policies, and taxes have eroded these benefits across more than 800 tea estates. Extortion by extremist groups, global market slumps, and climate change have further compounded the challenges.
Pransu Raj Kaushik, Assistant Professor at Dibrugarh University's Centre for Management Studies and author of the study, noted that the loss of perks is a primary stressor. "Lifestyle-related perks are almost defunct now," he said. The study identified five major stress risk factors, with 'restricted decision latitude'—a lack of control and autonomy—being the most prominent.
The research focused on middle and lower-level executives in estates under the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA). It found that lower-level executives reported the highest stress levels. A noticeable but not alarming difference in stress was observed between Assam-domiciled executives and those from other states.
The study recommends that tea companies strengthen stress management and employee well-being programmes to create a healthier work environment. NETA adviser Bidyananda Barkakoty called the study significant, noting that it addresses a neglected issue and can help estates improve productivity and human resource practices.
NETA comprises 180 members, including estates and bought-leaf factories, accounting for about 20% of Assam’s annual tea production of 650-700 million kg.
