Reality check… endless work hours unsustainable

NT Bureau

Bengaluru: In the private sector, a troubling trend is emerging as CEOs push for longer work hours. Recently, one proposed a 70-hour workweek, and another suggested 90 hours. The latter translates to 15 hours a day for six days, or even 18 hours a day over five days. This push for longer hours, often justified by 'market requirements', is not limited to investment bankers or consultants but spans across all industries.

Two points must be considered. First, many top executives, after retirement, express a desire to take long holidays or spend time with family, hinting at the sacrifices made during their working years. Second, the former RBI Governor, during turbulent times, made it a point to enjoy life and never missed a Bollywood film release – reminding us that life must go on, despite the challenges. The 70-hour workweek ethic originated from an IT startup leader whose company has grown into a top earner. The 90-hour workweek proposal comes from a longstanding company in the capital goods and infrastructure space. This shift represents the rise of new capitalism in India, where long hours are becoming the norm, affecting employees across sectors. From the employer's perspective, there are no written rules for these excessive hours, making it more of a practice than a mandate. Companies often offer rewards like bonuses and stock options as justification for such demands.

Yet, with Gen-Z and millennials prioritising work-life balance, high employee turnover remains a challenge, making it costly for companies to keep replacing staff. From the employee's perspective, the reality of a 90-hour workweek is harsh. Peer pressure makes it feel like a necessity, and long hours can take a toll on health, leading to fatigue, burnout and even serious illnesses. Not adhering to these expectations can slow career advancement, and those who don’t comply risk being let go during staff rationalisation. To move forward, a new social contract is necessary.

Work quality should be prioritised over sheer quantity, with realistic targets set. Companies must ensure that employees are rewarded fairly and don’t leave due to poor working conditions. A transparent contract is essential, allowing both employers and employees to understand what is expected. In contrast to seven-day workweeks, developed nations focus on 40-50 hour weeks and have made significant progress. It's time for introspection.