Vol. 11, Issue 5, Part E (2025)

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of adverse workplace culture on work-life balance and mental well-being among Indian youth, a demographic increasingly vulnerable to occupational stress due to the rapidly evolving work environment in India. With rising expectations, blurred work-life boundaries, and the normalization of overwork, the mental health of young professionals has emerged as a critical concern. The research aimed to explore how toxic workplace elements such as excessive work involvement, compulsive work habits, and unhealthy organizational expectations influence individuals' ability to maintain personal equilibrium and psychological well-being. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed with a sample of 100 working individuals aged 18-35, selected through convenience and snowball sampling. Standardized tools were used to assess key variables: the Dutch Workaholism Scale (DUWAS-Short Version) measured adverse work culture, the Work-Life Balance Scale assessed the degree of conflict and enrichment between work and personal life, and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index evaluated psychological well-being. Results revealed a significant negative correlation between adverse workplace culture and work-life balance, indicating that toxic work environments contribute to difficulties in balancing professional and personal roles.