MENTAL HEALTH IN THE TECH INDUSTRY: INSIGHTS FROM SURVEYS AND NLP ANALYSIS
Sanjaikanth E Vadakkethil Somanathan Pillai
Abstract
This study examines the mental health challenges faced by professionals in the technology sector, using data from the Open-Source Mental Illness (OSMI) surveys conducted between 2014 and 2019.By applying both quantitative analysis and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, the research identifies trends in mental health disorders, attitudes, and support systems across various demographic groups and job roles.Key findings indicate a rise in conditions like anxiety, depression, and burnout, particularly among developers and DevOps professionals.Additionally, disparities in mental health support were evident, with African American employees, women, and nonbinary individuals receiving less assistance.Remote and hybrid work arrangements were associated with better mental health outcomes, while non-remote workers experienced higher levels of stress.This study provides actionable insights for tech companies to enhance mental health resources, promote work-life balance, and offer targeted support for high-risk groups.