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Dear Students, New Batches for IAS and MPPSC starting from 2nd August 2025
Dear Students, New Batches for IAS and MPPSC starting from 2nd August 2025
Long Working Hours Debate
Context:
Proposals such as a 90-hour workweek, presented by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, have sparked controversy, highlighting concerns about workplace culture, employee well-being, and productivity.
Proposal for long working hours:
Prominent business leaders in India, including Narayana Murthy, S.N. Subrahmanyan, and Bhavish Aggarwal, have called for extended work hours.
They argue that increasing workweeks could drive economic growth and emulate post-war recovery strategies seen in countries like Japan and Germany.
The proposals suggest a model of 70–90 hours per week to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.
Positives of long working hours:
Boosts Output: Extended hours could increase work volume and project completion speed.
E.g. Manufacturing industries in India show higher outputs during peak seasons with overtime work.
Economic Growth: Longer hours contribute to higher GDP by increasing workforce participation and productivity.
E.g. India’s IT sector thrives on high-pressure deadlines to meet global client demands.
Skill Development: Extended work periods provide opportunities for employees to acquire and refine skills.
E.g. Startups in Bengaluru often use extended work hours for rapid upskilling.
Job Security: Employees who commit to long hours may gain better job stability in competitive industries.
E.g. Contract workers in construction projects benefit from extended work schedules.
Workplace Resilience: A culture of hard work builds resilience and adaptability.
E.g. Infosys employees working extra hours during critical projects led to client retention.
Limitations of long working hours:
Health Risks: Extended hours lead to physical and mental health issues like burnout and stress.
E.g. A Pune-based Ernst & Young employee reportedly died from workplace stress in 2024.
Declined Productivity: Fatigue from overwork reduces focus, creativity, and overall efficiency.
E.g. Reports from the ILO link long hours to lower productivity in South Korea.
Poor Work-Life Balance: Excessive work hours strain personal relationships and reduce social engagement.
E.g. Employees in Japan’s “karoshi” culture face rising loneliness and depression.
High Attrition Rates: Long hours increase turnover rates as employees seek balanced work environments.
E.g. India’s IT sector experienced talent migration to companies offering flexible hours.
Negative Societal Impact: Overwork culture discourages family building and community participation.
E.g. Japan’s aging population is partially attributed to its demanding work culture.
Way ahead:
Balanced Work Hours: Introduce flexible working models that balance output with personal well-being.
E.g. Indian startups implementing hybrid work schedules enhance productivity.
Employee Wellness Initiatives: Promote mental and physical health programs in workplaces.
E.g. TCS offers stress management workshops for employees.
Enhanced Efficiency: Encourage tools and technologies to optimize work processes.
E.g. AI-driven project management tools reduce workload in India’s IT sector.
Cultural Shift: Foster a mindset valuing quality of work over quantity.
E.g. Microsoft’s four-day workweek experiment in Japan boosted productivity.
Legislative Safeguards: Introduce labor laws to regulate maximum working hours.
E.g. India’s existing laws under the Factories Act provide for limited work hours.
Conclusion:
A balanced approach to work hours, focusing on efficiency rather than mere quantity, is vital for sustainable growth. Organizations must value employee well-being to foster creativity and innovation. As the Indian workforce evolves, promoting smarter work practices will create healthier workplaces and drive long-term success.
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