Rakesh Magotra
The remarks made recently by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, where he advocated for a 90-hour workweek and compulsory work on Sundays, have ignited a national conversation regarding the limits of professional obligations versus personal life. His comment, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?” has been criticized for diminishing the importance of personal time and is perceived as a representation of an antiquated, exploitative work environment.
This debate mirrors past statements by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who proposed that India’s youth should put in 70-hour workweeks to maintain global competitiveness. Both instances have resurfaced concerns about hustle culture, a phenomenon that emphasizes relentless work at the expense of mental health and personal well-being.
Several prominent business leaders have quickly opposed Subrahmanyan’s views on a 90-hour workweek. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka publicly criticized the suggestion, tweeting, “Work-life balance isn’t optional; it’s essential.” Marico Ltd Chairman Harsh Mariwala noted that true success is derived from the quality and passion of the work, not merely the hours spent, while Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj labeled the idea as “archaic and regressive,” advocating for it to be tested solely at leadership levels. Even billionaire Gautam Adani encouraged a personal work-life balance, recommending individuals allocate at least four hours a day for family time to find personal fulfillment.
In an attempt to clarify, L&T released a statement supporting Subrahmanyan, framing his remarks as a rallying call for extraordinary effort in the grander mission of nation-building. However, this defense did little to dispel the mounting backlash. In an age where employee well-being and work-life balance are highly valued, these comments appear misaligned with modern workplace principles. The reactions from the public and industry leaders highlight a distinct shift—people are no longer willing to tolerate outdated concepts of overwork as symbols of honor. Instead, they are advocating for workplaces that prioritize balance and mental health equally alongside productivity.
The adverse effects of overwork are well-established. Research from entities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) associates extended work hours with heightened risks of heart disease, stroke, and mental health issues. Overworking harms individuals and diminishes organizational efficiency by leading to burnout, elevated attrition rates, and reduced employee morale.
A tragic incident last year, where a 26-year-old EY employee reportedly succumbed to overwork, incited widespread outrage. Her passing served as a sobering reminder of the perils of hustle culture, which idolizes excessive work hours and stigmatizes the need for rest. As I noted in a previous article, “The corporate rat race may yield profits, but at what human cost?”
While the criticism against excessive work hours is warranted, it is also crucial to acknowledge the benefits of dedicated focus during certain stages of a professional journey. Cal Newport, in his book *Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World*, advocates for extended periods of uninterrupted concentration to achieve exceptional results, particularly in industries like research, technology, and startups. However, Newport also warns that deep work cannot be maintained without adequate breaks and periods of renewal.
For instance, early-stage startups often require intense hours to transform ideas into reality. Similarly, researchers may dedicate several weeks to their work to realize significant breakthroughs. In these instances, the emphasis should not be on working 90 hours without reason but rather on investing focused effort to achieve meaningful objectives.
Nonetheless, organizations demanding long hours must prioritize burnout prevention. This could involve implementing flexible work options, overtime compensation, mental health resources, and transparent communication of expectations. Leaders should refrain from glorifying overwork as a symbol of commitment.
The discourse surrounding Subrahmanyan’s comments reflects a broader cultural transition in attitudes towards work. Younger generations are increasingly valuing work-life balance, mental health, and purpose-driven careers over mere financial incentives. This shift challenges traditional views of success that frequently equate long work hours with dedication.
As a professional, I contend that the focus ought to shift from simply counting hours to evaluating the quality of work delivered. Extended hours are not inherently detrimental, but they must be purposeful and balanced with sufficient rest and personal time. While hustle culture might promise immediate rewards, sustainable success is found in business environments that foster innovation and support employee well-being. It is time for leaders to actively cultivate a future where work and life can thrive together.
Outside the workplace, life holds a multitude of beautiful and inspiring moments that merit our focus. The enchanting singing of birds at dawn, the comforting warmth of sunlight on a leisurely afternoon, and the satisfaction derived from creative endeavors such as poetry or writing nourish the soul. Engaging with music, dance, or a beloved hobby offers a sense of fulfillment that no professional title can rival. Furthermore, spirituality grants us a space for reflection and tranquility, grounding us in a world that often rushes by.
By embracing these simple joys, we infuse our lives with meaning and establish a balance that promotes both personal and professional growth. Leaders must cultivate environments where work and life exist in harmony, enabling professional accomplishments alongside personal contentment.
(The author is a DGM in JK Bank)
