“I don’t believe in work-life balance,” said Narayan Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, at the recently-held CNBC Global Leadership Summit. The tech tycoon left no room for doubt about his belief in relentless effort, doubling down on his notorious 70-hour workweek doctrine. Murthy declared that the path to economic ascension demands unwavering commitment, endorsing 14-hour workdays and brushing aside work-life balance as an indulgent myth. He openly criticized the transition from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986, framing it as a step backward in India’s race for global relevance. For him, raw intelligence alone isn’t enough—it’s grinding, relentless hours that count.
Murthy’s statements set off a firestorm of debate across the nation. Critics lashed out, questioning not just the practicality but the ethics of dismissing work-life balance. In a country where the glorification of overwork has become a cultural staple, his words were more fuel to an already raging fire.
India’s overwork culture is nothing new; it’s deeply entrenched. Reports from the Indian Labour Organisation (ILO) show that Indians clock an average of 46.7 hours per week, with over 51% of employees exceeding 49 hours. The result? India ranks as the second most overworked nation globally, trailing only Bhutan.
When a nation celebrates those who trade sleep and sanity for professional accolades, it’s time to ask hard questions: Will this grind-driven philosophy truly catapult India’s economy to the forefront, or will it churn out a workforce on the brink of collapse? Is work-life balance an overhyped Western luxury, or does it hold genuine power in sustaining long-term productivity? Let’s find out the answers.
India leading the burnout workforce charts
A 2023 McKinsey Health Institute survey on employee well-being has highlighted India’s position as a leader in workplace burnout, with 59% of respondents reporting burnout symptoms, the highest rate globally. The survey, conducted across 30 countries with 30,000 employees, also revealed that younger workers (18-24 years), employees from smaller companies, and non-managers experienced higher levels of burnout. While Japan reported the highest levels of workplace exhaustion (61%), India followed closely at 62%, signaling a pressing need for work-life balance reforms.
On the other hand, India’s unemployment rates have been a pressing concern over the past years, despite the fluctuations in recent months. According to the latest data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), the unemployment rate stood at 7.8% in September 2024, a slight improvement from 8.5% in August 2024. However, unemployment in India has seen a notable rise from 5.44% in 2014 to 8.003% in 2024,
This paints a paradoxical picture: Where the existing workforce is exposed to backbreaking pressure, a significant number of qualified candidates searching for work opportunities. Does the solution reside in spreading the over-work disease or in creating new work opportunities for young graduates?
Is work-life balance directly proportional to productivity? Here’s what reports say
In a recent trend of prioritising productivity over employee well-being, there are numerous companies that firmly believe that an engaged and happy workforce is key to improving productivity. For them, the emphasis has transitioned from merely combating burnout to fostering conducive work environments that lead to professional and personal growth.
McKinsey’s research on workplace health points to the profound impact of workplace enablers like meaningful tasks and psychological safety. According to their findings in the report titled Holistic Employee Health and Productivity, employees who experience such positive work experiences are not only more engaged but also healthier and more productive. However, the study also emphasizes that organizations must address workplace demands—such as the constant pressure of long working hours and stress.
On a global scale, work-life balance policies have also been shown to significantly influence employee satisfaction and performance. Another report unearthed by Remote, a global human resources platform that provides solutions for payroll management, employee data tracking, and team coordination revealed that offering employees statutory benefits enhances their job satisfaction. The report titled Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024 underscored that shorter workweeks and more generous leave policies can mitigate burnout and enhance overall productivity. Countries like Norway and Spain have robust statutory leave entitlements and support for family life and were praised for striking the right chord of balance between professional and personal commitments.
These reports hinge on a crucial point: employee well-being is intertwined with their productivity. When employees are given tools to establish better work-life balance through flexible work policies, mental health support, or reasonable workload— they are more likely to foster a bond with the workplace, resulting in higher productivity.
How work-life balance is instrumental in driving professional growth?
There are numerous ways in which the work-life balance complements professional growth and productivity. Here are some effective ways to know work-life balance can be a secret weapon toward growth.
Preventing Decision Fatigue
Work-life balance aids professionals in reducing decision fatigue. It is a common phenomenon leading to deterioration in the quality of decisions after a prolonged period of decision-making. By taking a break and engaging in recreational activities, individuals refresh their cognitive resources, ensuring they can make better and quicker decisions when they return to their tasks, boosting overall productivity.
Strengthened Emotional Intelligence
A balanced lifestyle leads individuals to nurture their emotional well-being, which is key to effective communication and conflict resolution in the workplace. When employees maintain emotional equilibrium by managing stress and carving out personal time, they are more likely to handle workplace challenges calmly and collaboratively, leading to a more productive and harmonious work environment.
Encouraging Deep Work
Incorporating ‘me-time’ enables professionals to immerse themselves in work and pursue deep work periods. When employees are not constantly derailed by work or personal obligations, they are more likely to focus on complex tasks. Focused and intense work sessions lead to supreme quality of work, enhancing overall productivity.
Cultivating Mental Agility
Work-life balance buds cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to transition between tasks and ponder on different concepts simultaneously. Personal activities that foster creativity, such as exercising or pursuing hobbies, allow employees to approach work problems from new angles. Mental agility is synonymous with faster decision-making and more effective problem-solving abilities.
Young graduates are increasingly being conditioned to believe that working beyond their limits and spending gruelling 14 hours at cubicles is the standalone path to success. However, it is high time to avoid having everything served on the platter and conforming to the present trends. It is the need of the hour to revamp the mindsets and acknowledge the importance of a positive work culture. The tragic death of Anna Sebastian, a 26-year-old Chartered Accountant at EY, due to alleged work-related stress was a stark reminder to reassess toxic workplaces that exemplify overwork culture. While hard work is undeniably important, pushing oneself beyond sustainable limits can have devastating consequences. With many leaders still upholding these outdated work norms, the future of corporate culture seems uncertain and far from healthy.