Prof Rasal Singh
As India steps into its “Amrit Kaal” (Golden Era), the conversation around work-life balance is increasingly prominent. Some comments from key industrial leaders in this context are indeed surprising. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 global crisis, many of us have struggled to strike a balance between work and family life. Yet, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we managed to sustain our growth rates.
The recent dialogue about working hours was sparked by Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy, who asserted at a youth event that to compete on a global level, we need to clock in 70 hours of work a week. Likewise, Gautam Adani (Chairman, Adani Group), Bhavish Aggarwal (Founder, Ola), and Shantanu Deshpande (CEO, Bombay Shaving Company) have supported extended working hours and rigorous professional commitments. Taking this narrative a step further, Larsen & Toubro Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan even suggested a 90-hour work week in a recent address, ridiculing marriage and questioning the importance of family life by dismissing the need for Sundays as a holiday in a meeting with staff. Such absurd comments reveal a profound disconnect from effective human resource management and a lack of empathy. It seems these individuals have lost touch with the fundamental principles of Indian life and the nuances of human management, viewing people merely as machines. Ironically, even machines require maintenance and recharging.
India’s rich tradition emphasizes a human-centric approach to life and efficiency. This perspective does not lead us to engage in ruthless competition or become part of a relentless pursuit of materialism; instead, we strive for a balanced and healthy lifestyle to enhance both individual and collective productivity. In this process, we also recognize that life and its values hold significance for us. We do not sacrifice our physical and mental equilibrium for the sake of increased productivity, understanding that ‘ati sarvatra varjayet’ (excess of anything is harmful). Our life philosophy aims for the holistic development of individuals, society, and the nation rather than solely focusing on material accumulation. Thus, we prioritize meaningfulness over mere success. There exists a trend towards viewing the various aspects of human life comprehensively. Thinkers like Mahatma Buddha, Mahatma Gandhi, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya highlighted the importance of balance, harmony, and integration, acknowledging the interconnectedness of individuals, society, nature, and divinity. Accomplishing life’s ultimate goals—Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desires), and Moksha (liberation)—necessitates a balance of body, mind, intellect, and soul. A nation’s progress should be evaluated based on happiness indices rather than mere growth rates.
A person not only nurtures a family but also engages with society. They enrich their life by fostering connections with nature, maintaining a balance between living beings and their surroundings. In contrast, consumer-driven ideologies perceive humans as machines, gauging the value of life through labor and productivity. The mechanization of life undermines our quality of living and adversely affects mental health. Viewing human existence solely from a utilitarian standpoint leads only to rising societal issues, such as disconnection and the deterioration of relationships. The utilitarian perspective poses a risk to society, devaluing human life by categorizing it based on utility, which in turn breeds a divisive, discriminatory, and destructive lifestyle. Presently, there is a surge in negative behaviors, including anger, dissatisfaction, and violent responses to trivial matters, coupled with increasing road accidents and a rise in escapism through substances and materialistic pursuits. It is alarming that as civilization advances, individuals are distancing themselves from fundamental human values, diminishing feelings of goodwill and harmony within society.
From a scientific perspective, working 70 or 90 hours per week can severely impact one’s health, rendering both body and mind drained over time. A 2021 United Nations report also highlighted opposition to extended working hours, linking excessive work to health issues like hypertension, diabetes, depression, and heart disease. The risk of lifestyle-related illnesses amplifies for those engaged in prolonged sedentary labor. Increasing instances of youth suicides and declining fertility rates can also be attributed to excessive work pressure and negative environmental factors. Various studies indicate that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, caused by inadequate lung function, is a leading cause of mortality—a condition prevalent among overworked laborers and factory workers.
In an age dominated by artificial intelligence and mechanization, we must not overlook that human creativity is rooted in our ability to generate ideas. To pursue new discoveries, we must nurture our mental health, which is feasible only through achieving a work-life balance. Moreover, original thought can only stem from a healthy mind. While we can facilitate our tasks using AI and robotics, we cannot replicate innovation or originality through machines. To circumvent loneliness and depression, individuals must engage with family and nature, enhancing both body and mind. The pressures inherent in corporate life can lead to mental illness. Unwarranted work stresses disrupt personal life and foster mental instability. Amidst commercialism, material desires and ambitions surge, trapping individuals in a toxic cycle. We need to assess the productivity and achievements of life holistically. A person does not possess a distinct identity apart from their family and society. The growth of their personality occurs only through their interactions within their familial and societal contexts, fostering positivity, creativity, and productivity. Therefore, it is essential for the workforce to establish a balance between work and personal life. Excessive working hours can cause children to become distracted and the elderly to feel neglected and isolated—a scenario detrimental to any society or nation. Current trends indicate that modern technology, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and communication devices like smartphones and laptops, contributes to an erosion of life quality. Social media platforms, intended for fostering communication, are also contributing to communication breakdowns within families and increased feelings of loneliness. In response to these concerns, socio-cultural organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh are advocating for family awareness.
Visionary industrialists such as Anand Mahindra (Chairman of Mahindra Group), Sanjeev Puri (Chairman of ITC), and Ritesh Agarwal (Co-founder and CEO of OYO) stand against the extension of work hours, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing work alongside quality of life. The essence of the message is that work-life balance allows individuals to render their best contributions to society and their organizations, bolstering their capacity to manage isolation and workplace-related depression. Companies must recognize employee needs and provide them with requisite breaks. Promoting activities like yoga, meditation, and indoor sports can cultivate a healthy work environment. Organizing cultural events during significant festivals also fosters a sense of community among employees, enhancing their attachment to their work, sense of belonging, positivity, creativity, and productivity.
(The author is the Principal of Ramanujan College, Delhi University)
