Survey shows perils of working long hours; emphasises on work-life balance
Studies have found that working 55 or more hours per week significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In 2016, long working hours led to an estimated 745,000 deaths globally due to heart disease and stroke, marking a 29 per cent increase from 2000.
Amid ongoing discussions about extending workweeks to 70-90 hours, the Economic Survey has presented compelling evidence on the negative consequences of long working hours.
In rupee terms, excessive working hours translate to approximately Rs.7,000 per lost workday, emphasising the economic burden of mental health struggles caused by excessive work pressure.
WHO and ILO studies on work-life balance emphasize the importance of reasonable working hours, health implications of overwork, and policies to support worker well-being.
The studies have found that working 55 or more hours per week significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In 2016, long working hours led to an estimated 745,000 deaths globally due to heart disease and stroke, marking a 29 per cent increase from 2000.
WHO and ILO recognise that excessive working hours and poor work-life balance can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Stress from overwork also disrupts family and social interactions, worsening mental health issues.
Globally, 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, causing an economic loss of US$1 trillion.
The ILO study highlights how women often bear a double burden of paid work and unpaid caregiving duties. This intensifies the challenge of work-life balance and limits women’s career growth.
Both organizations recommend greater adoption of flexible work arrangements, including remote work, as strategies to improve productivity and work-life harmony. However, they caution against potential issues like extended working hours and reduced boundaries between professional and personal lives.
The studies call for encouragement for national regulations that cap working hours at 40-48 hours per week, promotion of paid leave entitlements, health support systems at workplaces, and occupational health programmes to mitigate the adverse effects of poor work-life balance.
The Economic Survey’s stance comes weeks after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan sparked controversy by advocating for a 90-hour workweek, suggesting employees should work on Sundays rather than “sit at home.” This echoed a similar call by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who earlier recommended a 70-hour workweek to drive India’s economic progress.
However, several business leaders have pushed back against these views. RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka called extended work hours a “recipe for burnout, not success.” Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra stressed that “quality of work and productivity matter more than hours spent,” while ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri argued that “empowering employees to achieve their potential is more crucial than counting hours.”
The debate mirrors China’s ‘996 culture’ which refers to the demanding work schedule where employees work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week—a total of 72 hours per week. It became popular in China’s tech industry and other high-pressure sectors like e-commerce and finance.
While some companies have moderated work hours under regulatory pressure, the culture of overwork persists in highly competitive sectors, reflecting broader societal challenges regarding job security and success-driven mindsets.
“A 90-hour work week is unsustainable and counterproductive. Productivity is driven by focus and efficiency, not long hours. Overworking leads to burnout, reduced creativity, and declining work quality. A balanced work-life approach enables employees to recharge and consistently deliver their best,” said Mr. Saket Gaurav, Chairman and CMD, Elista.
The Economic Survey notes that to achieve India’s economic ambitions, immediate focus must be placed on improving lifestyle choices from a young age. It highlights that toxic workplace cultures and excessive desk time can impede economic growth by reducing workforce efficiency, better workplace relationships, healthier lifestyle choices, and job satisfaction can reduce absenteeism by 2-3 days per month and even in companies with ideal management practices, an average of five workdays per month are lost due to poor workplace culture.
The findings suggest that while dedication and hard work are critical for growth, ignoring employee well-being could ultimately slow down economic progress.
While enhancing economic output remains a priority, the Economic Survey serves as a reminder that overworking employees may do more harm than good.
With global trends shifting towards flexibility, employee wellness, and efficiency-driven workplaces, Indian businesses may need to redefine success beyond just the number of hours worked.
Blurb: WHO and ILO studies on work-life balance emphasise the importance of reasonable working hours, health implications of overwork, and policies to support worker well-being
