All work and no recreation make for dud employees

Raju Korti
In today's fast-paced world, where cut-throatism is the order of the day, the concept of work-life balance has become more critical than ever. A healthy work-life balance ensures not only the physical and mental well-being of employees but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction. The idea is to create a harmonious blend where work does not overshadow personal life, allowing individuals to recharge and bring their best selves to both their professional and personal endeavours.  

The ongoing debate about India's work culture, particularly the suggested 70-hour work-week, has been reignited by two prominent figures from Shark Tank India. Their heated exchange on the subject with diametrically opposite perceptions has caught the attention of many, further fuelling the conversation about work-life balance and productivity in India.

One perspective suggests that focusing on the number of hours worked is misleading and emphasizes the importance of dedication and effort rather than merely tracking time. This viewpoint highlights that extraordinary achievements come from a strong work ethic and the willingness to put in the necessary effort, rather than simply counting hours. The success of hybrid work models, which have reportedly increased productivity by 30%, is cited as evidence that work-life "harmony" is more effective than rigidly sticking to fixed hours.

On the other hand, another perspective strongly disagrees, arguing that the situation for founders and regular employees is vastly different. Founders, who have significant financial stakes in their businesses, might be more willing to put in long hours, but this is not feasible for regular employees. It is pointed out that while founders and high stakeholders may afford to work around the clock due to their financial gains, regular employees do not share the same financial benefits. The idea of long work hours being a norm for employees is criticized, particularly due to the severe physical and mental health consequences that can result from such pressure. I am inclined towards this view.

Concrete examples support this viewpoint, emphasizing the different realities for founders and employees. For instance, a company's valuation and the stakes owned by founders may justify their long working hours, but this rationale does not apply to regular employees such as accountants, who do not share the same financial upside. This perspective argues for a balanced work schedule to ensure overall well-being, warning that excessive work hours can lead to serious physical and mental health issues.

The debate traces back to controversial comments about India's work productivity by Infosys founder Narayan Murthy, where he suggested that to improve productivity and compete globally, India’s youth should commit to working extra hours, reminiscent of post-war efforts in countries like Japan and Germany. This suggestion to return to a 6-day workweek and extend work hours sparked nationwide discussions.

Both perspectives agree that the work culture in India needs to evolve, but their approaches differ significantly. One side advocates for reasonable work limits for employees, emphasizing their overall well-being, while the other believes that extraordinary achievements come from dedication and extra effort, not just clocking in long hours.

While the drive and dedication to achieve extraordinary goals are commendable, the importance of a balanced work schedule cannot be overstated. Employees' well-being is paramount, and a balanced approach is necessary to maintain physical and mental health, ensuring sustained productivity and job satisfaction. The argument for reasonable work hours, particularly for regular employees, resonates with the broader need for a healthier work culture that prioritizes overall well-being.

I can say with conviction that my view will remain unchanged even if I become a founder-owner of some outfit, the chances of which are next to nil.