More Hours Don’t Equal More Success.

The discussion surrounding work-life balance in India has gained traction as key figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Infosys founder Narayan Murthy, and Ola’s Bhavish Aggarwal push for longer working hours (directly or indirectly).

It all started with PM Modi’s claim that he works 18 hours a day.

(An anecdote without verification)

Soon after, the followers of the man cemented the anecdote into reality by repeating and boasting the anecdote repeatedly.

The next to jump into the ring was Mr. Murthy who suggested that Indians need to work 70 hours a week to boost the economy.

And now the rising champion for this advocacy is OLA's founder Bhavish Aggarwal, who argued that weekends are a Western import.

This raises questions about the importance of work-life balance and whether working more hours truly drives productivity and success.

If everyone is working long hours, who is left to enjoy the very products they create? More importantly, does this approach align with the global understanding of work-life balance strategies?

Let’s explore these questions to better understand the challenges of achieving work-life balance in today’s fast-paced corporate world.

What is the work-life balance debate about?

The debate revolves around whether increasing working hours will boost India’s economic growth.

Leaders argue that to compete globally, Indians need to work more.

However, the benefits of work-life balance cover only improved productivity and economic sustainability.

Not individual well-being.

Numerous studies show that when employees work too many hours, their productivity declines.

This contradicts the narrative that more work equals more output.

Globally, work-life balance policies are evolving to address this very issue. Companies are now implementing best practices such as flexible schedules and remote work options, helping employees improve their work-life balance.

For example, work-life balance in IT companies in countries like Sweden or the Netherlands focuses on fewer working hours and better employee mental health, ultimately leading to higher productivity.

If longer work compromises the well-being and productivity of the workforce then what is the benefit?

Who benefits from long working hours?

Proponents argue that longer work hours will benefit both individuals and the nation.

Yet, work-life balance for employees is increasingly recognized as crucial to long-term success.

Peter Drucker, a renowned management consultant, believed that it’s not about how many hours you work, but how productive those hours are.

Moreover, work-life balance examples from progressive companies demonstrate that work-life balance best practices help retain talent, reduce burnout, and create more engaged employees.

Sheryl Sandberg emphasized that in order to thrive, working parents and individuals must balance their personal and professional lives, something that is becoming essential as more women enter the workforce.

This begs the question:

If there are valid proofs and arguments to support the fact that long hours and lead to burnout and reduced productivity, then why is this even a topic of debate?

When did this debate intensify?

The debate gained momentum in 2023, during the post-pandemic work restructuring.

The pandemic highlighted work-life balance challenges by forcing many professionals to work from home, blending the lines between personal and professional time.

As countries move toward a more balanced approach, the argument for longer working hours in India stands in stark contrast to the global trend.

Countries like Finland, which emphasize work-life balance importance in the workplace, have shown that flexible work hours improve both productivity and mental health.

These countries are shifting toward shorter workweeks while achieving high levels of economic success, demonstrating that how to achieve work-life balance is a critical component of modern productivity.

If the world is moving toward shorter workdays to improve both productivity and work-life balance for employees, why is India heading in the opposite direction?

Where is this debate most prominent?

The debate is especially visible in India’s urban corporate sectors like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where the tech industry is driven by long hours.

Despite the call for longer hours, work-life balance in corporate jobs is becoming an essential issue, with more professionals demanding flexibility to improve both their productivity and mental health.

International companies have realized that work-life balance tips like offering flexible hours or remote work can lead to better outcomes for both employees and employers.

This shift is critical for industries like tech and services, where work-life balance in IT companies is often a key factor in employee satisfaction and retention.

Why is this mindset problematic?

Encouraging longer working hours creates a culture of overwork, leading to burnout, poor mental health, and declining productivity.

Bertrand Russell, in his essay In Praise of Idleness, criticized modern society’s obsession with long working hours.

He argued that leisure is essential for creativity and innovation.

Furthermore, Henry Ford demonstrated over a century ago that reducing the workweek improves productivity. Ford’s 40-hour workweek proved that fewer hours could lead to greater productivity, and this still holds true today in industries worldwide.

Russell and Ford’s insights remain relevant, as work-life balance and productivity are closely linked.

Overworking does not result in better results but in diminishing returns.

In short, work-life balance will not only benefit employees, but also the economy and founders.

Then why are we still advocating for more work at the expense of personal well-being?

How can India improve its work-life balance?

Achieving better work-life balance in India requires a shift in perspective, with work-life balance strategies that prioritize both productivity and well-being.

As Arianna Huffington advocates in Thrive, the focus should be on self-care and mental health, rather than relentless work. Indian companies can benefit by implementing work-life balance tips, such as offering flexible work schedules, promoting remote work, and ensuring that employees have time to recharge.

Additionally, companies should look to global examples where work-life balance policies have been shown to improve productivity.

For instance, work-life balance during the pandemic was preserved in many countries through remote work options, which allowed employees to maintain mental health while staying productive.

ENDING THOUGHT:

The work-life balance debate in India reflects an outdated mindset that more hours lead to success.

Leaders like Narendra Modi, Narayan Murthy, and Bhavish Aggarwal may argue for longer workdays, but the world’s greatest minds (from Aristotle to Henry Ford) have long championed the importance of work-life balance.

In a globalized economy, focusing on work-life balance for employees leads to better results, higher productivity, and a happier workforce.

As India strives for economic growth, the real challenge lies in creating work-life balance environments that allow both employees and companies to thrive.

It’s time for India to embrace the benefits of work-life balance and reject the myth that more hours equals more success.

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Until next time, this is Manikk Gupta , wishing you good luck and good growth!!