The decline of traditional perks in Assam's tea gardens is impacting the mental health of executives, according to a recent study. This issue is deeply rooted in the historical context of tea cultivation in the region, dating back to the British colonial era. British planters introduced tea cultivation in Assam 200 years ago, and as part of their management strategy, they provided luxurious amenities such as bungalows, recreation clubs, and golf courses to keep executives entertained in isolated areas. However, post-independence, the situation took a turn. Deregulation, government policies, and taxes on privileges significantly impacted the tea industry, affecting the perks enjoyed by executives across over 800 large tea estates. This shift has led to a noticeable change in the work environment, with lifestyle-related perks becoming scarce. As a result, executives now face a challenging administrative landscape, which, according to Prasun Raj Kaushik, an Assistant Professor at Dibrugarh University's Centre for Management Studies, is a primary stressor. Kaushik's study, conducted with Professor Pratim Barua, highlights the impact of this change on the mental health of middle and lower-level executives. The research identified five major categories of workplace stress risk factors: person-environment adjustment, physiological hazard, recurrent non-reciprocity, restricted decision latitude, and transactional coping. Among these, restricted decision latitude, characterized by a lack of control and flexibility, emerged as the most significant stressor. The study also revealed a difference in stress levels between Assam-based and non-Assam-domiciled executives, though not alarmingly high. Interestingly, lower-level executives reported the highest levels of stress, emphasizing the need for tea companies to enhance stress management and employee well-being programs. This is particularly crucial given the pivotal role of tea garden executives in managing the estates' complex operational, administrative, and human resource demands. The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA), which represents 180 tea estates and factories, acknowledges the importance of this study. Bidyananda Barkakoty, NETA's adviser, highlights the study's contribution to filling a research gap and its potential to improve employee well-being, productivity, and human resource practices in the tea industry. This issue is not just about the loss of perks but also about the psychological impact on executives, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health support in the tea gardens of Assam.
