Understanding the Emergence of Ill‐being at Work in a Post‐colonial Context: A Qualitative Analysis

Abstract Little is known about how ill‐being at work is produced in a post‐colonial context. In this study, we explore this process through the lens of Critical Theory, examining the interplay between heteronomous obedience and the politicization of belonging in a multinational company in Pakistan. Drawing on data from 33 interviews, we trace the production of ill‐being as employees navigate pressures to conform via (i) mimicking behaviours, (ii) gendering obedience and (iii) concealing their values and identities. Our findings reveal that ill‐being is shaped by the hybrid dynamics of global corporate progressiveness and deeply ingrained local `Seth’ culture. This negotiation results in internal conflicts, reinforcing feelings of inadequacy, guilt and isolation, particularly as socio‐cultural and gender norms complicate belonging in the workplace. By integrating our findings with the literature, we offer new insights into the production of ill‐being in non‐Western settings and highlight future research directions.