Work 70, even 90 hours, don’t go out on Sunday and don’t work from home. CEOs of large companies often go online to share tips on how to become an employee of the month. Recently, SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen and Toubro (L&T), joined the league of honchos who want Indians to work harder. However, Indians are the second most overworked people in the world, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO).
Subrahmanyan created a controversy by encouraging work even on Sundays. Asking how people spend their Sundays, he made remarks that led to discussions about India’s work culture.
“I regret that I cannot make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I would be very happy,” said Subrahmanyan during a meeting with the workers. He also asked, “What are you doing sitting at home?” How long have you been staring at your wife?”
CEOs and chairmen of large companies, such as Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, advocated a 70-hour work week.
Even Tesla’s boss, Elon Musk, has been a staunch supporter of all work and no play. But Indians pay a heavy price for overworking.
HOW INDIANS WORK HARD, PAY HARD
India’s work culture comes with important consequences. Reports show that Indians are among the most overworked people in the world, and the burnout rate is alarmingly high.
Actress Deepika Padukone spoke about the issue on social media, we criticize such expressions for their potential impact on mental health.
He wrote, “It is shocking to see people in high positions talking like this. #mentalhealthmatters (sic).”
This is true in the second overworked world.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), India is ranked as the second most overworked country in the world, with 51% of workers working 49 hours or more per week.
The ILO recommends working 48 hours a week, no more than eight hours a day. However, many Indians go far beyond these limits.
The Indians also reported signs of burnout.
A 2023 study by the McKinsey Health Institute revealed that 59% of Indian respondents reported symptoms of burnout—the highest rate in the world.
In addition, 62% of Indian workers reported experiencing burnout at work, the highest of all countries surveyed.
It may even be life-threatening.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the ILO found that working 55 hours or more a week increases the risk of stroke by 35% and the risk of dying from heart disease by 17%, compared to a typical 35-hour work week -40. .
Even under the laws, corporate employees are not specifically protected from what could be described as overwork.
Indian labor laws fail to protect business professionals from overworking. The Factories Act of 1948 limited factory workers to 48 hours per week, mandated days off, and required overtime pay at double the regular rate. However, these provisions do not extend to professionals in corporate sectors, leaving many vulnerable to burnout.
While some spread overwork, the mental and physical health consequences for Indians should not be ignored.