Kerala Software Engineer Dies by Suicide — Is Work Stress the Real Boss?

In a heartbreaking incident, a young software engineer from Kerala died by suicide after reportedly struggling with extreme work pressure. The 32-year-old techie, who worked at a leading IT company, left behind a note mentioning unbearable stress from his job. This tragic event has sparked conversations about mental health and work-life balance in India's tech industry.

What Happened?

The engineer, whose identity is being protected out of respect for the family, was found dead in his apartment in Kochi. Police confirmed that he left a suicide note describing how work pressure had become too much to handle. Friends said he had been working long hours and was stressed about deadlines before his death.

The Growing Problem of Work Pressure in IT

This is not the first time an IT professional has taken such a drastic step due to job stress. The tech industry, known for its demanding work culture, often pushes employees to work overtime, meet tight deadlines, and handle heavy workloads. Many companies expect employees to be available 24/7, leading to burnout and mental health issues.

Mental Health in the Workplace: Are Companies Doing Enough?

While some IT firms have started mental health programs, many employees still feel afraid to speak up about stress or anxiety. The fear of losing their jobs or being seen as weak prevents them from seeking help. Experts say companies need to create safer spaces for employees to share their struggles without judgment.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Such Tragedies?

• Better Work-Life Balance: Companies should enforce reasonable working hours and discourage overtime.

• Mental Health Support: Regular counseling sessions and anonymous helplines can help employees cope with stress.

• Open Conversations: Managers should check in with their teams about workload and stress levels.This young engineer’s death is a painful reminder that work pressure can have deadly consequences. The tech industry must take mental health seriously before more lives are lost.