Hustle culture: A glorification of corporate slavery or a test of resilience?

In recent years, we’ve seen the rise of "hustle culture," a mindset that glorifies working long hours, skipping personal time, and burning the candle at both ends in pursuit of career success. But when does this so-called dedication cross the line into exploitation? Is hustle culture just a new way of justifying or even glorifying what can only be described as corporate slavery?

Two recent LinkedIn posts have stayed with me. One involved a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant in Pune who passwd away, allegedly due to the overwhelming workload. The other was about a professional in the US, laid off from a high-paying job, who expressed relief at leaving behind the crushing work-life imbalance. These incidents raise serious questions about how we treat our workforce, particularly young professionals entering high-pressure industries.

The unjust expectation on young professionals

The current expectation for young professionals to work late hours, take on excessive workloads, and prove themselves in environments that are unforgiving is completely unjustified. It feels almost like an unwritten rule in many organizations: "If you want to succeed, you must suffer first."

What is deeply concerning is that this burden is often placed squarely on the shoulders of the youngest, least experienced members of the workforce. Ironically, these are the individuals who are still finding their footing, navigating new professional waters, and may lack the tools to set boundaries or push back against unreasonable demands.

Ironically, the burden of long hours and work stretch must fall more on mid- and senior-level professionals, those with more experience, "skin in the game," and a clearer understanding of how to manage work without letting it bleed into every facet of life. A report by the WHO shows that working long hours is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from heart disease. This alarming statistic should serve as a wake-up call to organizations that push the hustle narrative without considering the long-term impact on their people.

The importance of setting boundaries

Part of our responsibility as leaders is to groom the next generation of professionals to set healthy boundaries. We need to educate them that their jobs, while important, are not the ultimate test of their intelligence or worth. There is more to life than KPIs and deadlines, and while productivity is essential, it should never come at the expense of mental or physical health.

Work is a part of life, but it is not life itself. Encouraging a culture that respects boundaries will lead to better outcomes, both for employees and the organizations they serve. A happier, healthier workforce is a more productive and creative one, as research from Gallup has shown: employees who feel supported in their work-life balance are 21% more productive and 41% less likely to experience burnout.

Changing the narrative for future generations

We need to change the narrative - away from glorifying relentless hustle and towards celebrating balance, well-being, and the cultivation of true professional growth. As communications professionals and leaders, we have the power to shift this narrative. Let’s challenge the status quo, question the unjust expectations placed on the youngest members of our workforce, and advocate for a corporate culture that values health, boundaries, and respect just as much as it values productivity and performance.

Hustle culture, when left unchecked, can become corporate slavery in disguise. As leaders, we must ensure that the next generation is equipped not only with the technical skills to succeed but also with the resilience and wisdom to say, “Enough.” Let’s empower them to take control of their careers, without sacrificing their lives in the process.

https://www.news9live.com/viral-news/woman-grateful-for-being-laid-off-from-rs-76-lakh-deloitte-job-heres-why-2692332