A Delhi-based Entrepreneur, Kushal Arora’s recent post on the need for sleepless nights and personal sacrifices to achieve an annual income of $500,000 defining success, sparked controversies on social media. Similarly, Infosys co-founder, Mr Narayana Murthy’s appeal to youngsters to work 70 hours a week in a bid to enhance productivity became the cause of much debate. While the intent of these claims is to motivate and inspire, when put to practice such suggestions can have far-reaching consequences on the health and well-being of individuals. Indulging in these habits can result in isolation, increase work-related stress and anxiety which takes a significant toll on the physical and mental health of a person. This hustle culture needs to be replaced with strategies that boost productivity at the workplace while balancing employee well-being.
Overworking Culture in India: A Modern Reality
India ranks second among countries around the globe for having long working hours. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organization (ILO), an average Indian worker works for about 46.7 hours a week while more than 51 per cent of India’s workforce work for more than 49 hours in the same timeline. There is a socialistic belief that this “overworking culture” will increase productivity but we are facing a backlash even in achieving the minimum productivity that is possible through normal working hours. The contribution of an Indian worker to India’s GDP is only USD 8 per hour, which is half of the contribution made by a Chinese worker. Why is there such low progress?
Industry Leaders’ Perspectives on Work and Life Balance
Mr Narayana Murthy’s strong belief in a 70-hour workweek in opposition to the concept of work-life balance sparked a huge debate in the world of work. His contention that this kind of sacrifice is essential for India’s economic growth and development while rooted in strong nationalistic ideals fails to acknowledge the realities of modern-day living. In 2023, the average one-way commute time for Indian employees in major metro cities was approximately 59 minutes, covering a distance of about 20 kilometres. These extended commute times have significant implications for work-life balance and productivity.
Swiggy’s CEO, Mr Rohit Kapoor, criticised the prevailing “hustle work culture” that boasts success and productivity at the expense of personal health and family time. He further explained that employees arriving late to the office often fail to mention long working hours as a reason for their delay, for fear of losing their jobs.
Mr. Kapoor acknowledged that while extended work hours may be a necessity in some circumstances it cannot be a norm if employee well-being is a priority.
The late-night work meeting allegations on Zepto and the death of an Employee (Ms Anna Sebastian) at Ernst & Young due to work stress demand the strong implementation of policies that can help create a clear balance between personal and professional life and promote employee well-being. Organizations must engage in practices that support the hiring of additional workers to reduce the burden on the existing workforce. This will help to enhance work-life balance while creating more employment. For instance, the All India Bank Officer’s Confederation’s (AIBOC) demand for a 5-day work week for bank employees and an increase in the hiring in the public sector banks aims to implement a better work-life balance and free employees from taking on additional responsibilities and working long hours.
“Working without Hustle”: The Essential Shift
Several impactful measures can be taken to enhance productivity at the workplace while demystifying the practice of “overworking”.
- Standard Implementation of “Right to Disconnect Policy”: A recent Indeed survey indicates that 79% of Indian employers believe in implementing a “right to disconnect” policy. However it is not well implemented; employees are often contacted outside of working hours, particularly in remote work conditions. So, this policy requires a positive change.
- Boost Productivity with Artificial Intelligence: With the AI revolution, companies can optimize their productivity by training employees to use their domain knowledge coupled with artificial intelligence. This saves time and reduces workload. JP Morgan CEO, Mr Jamie Dimon envisions a future where AI is capable of reducing our work-week and reshaping the future of work.
- Employee’s perception of work: A shift towards having a balanced focus on work is essential for employees. The belief that productivity can only be achieved through long working hours must be challenged and dismantled. We have to rethink productivity at work that is coupled with professional & personal growth and mental well-being.
The current business landscape is quite dynamic and is witnessing multiple new developments. However, while we understand the impact of poor work-life balance, we don’t have enough supportive strategies to care for the employees to move the wheels of business forward. The views of critics on achieving productivity and success through long working hours can be motivational and daunting, but prioritizing the health and mental well-being of employees only will ensure safe and sustainable progress.
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