The Indian Paradox: More Work Hours, Less Thought

Time is Money—But What About Life?

The age-old proverb, “Time is money,” suggests that time, like cash, is a resource to be wisely spent. But here’s the twist—lose money, and you might earn it back; lose time, and it’s permanently overdrafted from your life account. Every ticking second is a fragment of life slipping by, making time the most precious investment—not just for career milestones, but for personal well-being and meaningful relationships too.

Post-COVID, we learned that while work pays the bills, it’s time with family, self-care, and mental health that keep us sane enough to spend that paycheck. Countries like Germany, Belgium, and Japan got the memo and are testing four-day work weeks to combat burnout and boost productivity. Meanwhile, India seems to be stuck in a remix of “Work Harder, Not Smarter,” still championing the ‘clock-in, clock-out’ grind as a badge of honour.

Global Shift Towards Balance

Countries have realised that less can be more when it comes to work hours:

• Germany is trialling a 4-day work week starting February 2024 to test its impact on employee happiness and productivity.

• In Belgium, employees can opt for a four-day workweek while keeping the same weekly hours.

• Japan, known for its gruelling work culture, now encourages shorter work weeks to combat karoshi or “death by overwork.”

Even trials in Portugal showed a 20% reduction in anxiety and sleeping problems, proving that less stress at work leads to better performance.

India’s Corporate Evolution: A Rethink on Work Culture

While the rest of the world is promoting fewer workdays, Indian corporate culture seems to have taken inspiration from action movies: “No breaks, only mission!” Ironically, industry titans seem to believe there’s no limit to staring at spreadsheets— but staring at one’s spouse is. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy stirred up controversy on this topic- a few months ago by advocating for 70-hour work weeks, claiming it was essential for India’s progress. His statement left many employees asking, “Sir, are you hiring humans or robots?”

And now, recently, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan added his two cents with the infamous remark, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays… How long can you stare at your wife?” This comment sparked widespread backlash, with employees quipping on social media, “Sir, staring at my wife isn’t my job—but staring at emails from you on Sundays apparently is.”

Firstly, no matter how mindless Subrahmanyan’s statement may sound, turning employees into human versions of factory robots is hardly the innovation we need. What’s even more troubling is the glaring pay disparity between these corporate leaders and their employees. These men, sitting in plush offices, earning far more than what they pay their workforce, demand equally long hours from both sides. It’s deeply unjustifiable to expect the same level of commitment when the pay scales are so disproportionate.

Secondly, India, unlike many Western countries, does not have an hourly work culture; it typically operates on a per-day work culture, where employees are expected to work a set number of hours each day. If Indian corporations wish to implement a system based on hourly work, whether it’s 70 or 90 hours a week, they better be prepared to compensate their employees in a similar fashion to countries that already follow this system.

Take, for example, countries with hourly wage systems:

• In Germany, the average hourly wage is approximately €20 ($21.50), translating to about ₹1,800 per hour.

• In Belgium, workers earn around €19 per hour, or ₹1,700.

• In the United States, the average hourly wage is $23, which equals roughly ₹1,900 per hour.

• In the United Kingdom, workers earn about £12 per hour, or ₹1,200.

Now, imagine expecting employees to work 70 or 90 hours a week without offering compensation at these rates. If Indian corporate culture wants to adopt an hourly pay model, it needs to reflect the global standards in terms of wages. Without proper compensation, demanding such long hours from employees is not just unethical but unjustifiable.

It’s time for Indian companies to re-evaluate their priorities, shifting away from the “hustle harder” mindset toward a more balanced approach—one that recognises the value of personal well-being, mental health, and family time, all while ensuring fair wages. Because, as the global conversation shifts towards well-being, the question remains: who is truly benefiting from this relentless grind—and at what cost?

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This ethos is about more than just employees’ dedication; it also calls on employers to support overall well-being by moving beyond the strict ‘clock-in, clock-out’ mindset. If countries with smaller populations like Denmark, Australia, and the Netherlands can rethink work models for their citizens, why can’t India—with its massive workforce and potential for innovation—do the same?

After all, at the end of the day, all we need to remember is that- life is not just about earning a paycheck; it’s about finding balance, purpose, and happiness—and maybe even having time to stare at your loved ones every now and then!

What’s your take on the ideal work culture for India?

• 4-day work week with flexible hours
• 5-day work week but reduced hours
• Hourly wage system like global models
• Current system is fine

Also, what are your thoughts on work culture and long working hours? Do you think India is ready for a change? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!