L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s statement supporting a 90 hours work week and Sunday work requirements has generated debate and criticism. He insisted on working nonstop on the weekends and that has drawn criticism and sparked conversations about the mental health and welfare of employees. Critics point out the negative impacts on relationships, health, and general well-being, while supporters contend that long hours are essential for people hoping to attain great achievement.
Important questions are brought up by this discussion: How much effort is too much? And is the personal sacrifice required for achieving this kind of success worth it?
The Argument in Favour of a 90 hours Work Week: Drive and Outcomes
Proponents of the 90 hours work week contend that extraordinary effort is necessary for extraordinary results. The concept fits nicely with the culture of startups and high-pressure professions where putting in long hours is frequently regarded as a mark of honour.
Benefit for Future Professionals: Many see long hours as a means of accelerating professional development, gaining knowledge, and accumulating riches.
Competitive Edge: Proponents contend that exceeding the typical workweek is essential to outperforming competitors in a globally competitive economy.
Temporary Sacrifice for Long-Term Gain: Supporters frequently emphasise that these work patterns are strategic and short-term, meant to generate momentum during pivotal stages of expansion.
90 hours Work Week: The Unspoken Price of Excessive Work
Well! The 90 hours work week can result in a lot of negative effects on our physical and emotional well-being. Following are some of the most common price that we have to pay for it :
Burnout and Mental Health Issues: We can undergo depression and anxiety which results from prolonged stress, lack of sleep, and a lack of time for taking care of the self.
Impact on Relationships: We feel isolated and face strained relationships result from spending too much time at work and not enough time for meaningful interactions with friends and family.
Decline in Productivity: Studies reveal that beyond 50 hours of work per week, productivity starts to drop off significantly, making longer hours eventually counterproductive.
Examining Work Culture Critically: What Do We Value?
Underlying cultural attitudes are shown by the drive for greater work hours. Are production and worth being equated? Do we value outcomes more than people? These enquiries force us to reevaluate the reason for working:
Work as a Means, Not the End: Although work is an essential aspect of life, it should also have more general goals, like advancing society, helping families, and encouraging personal development.
The Hustle Culture Myth: Romanticising excessive work can lead to a poisonous workplace where workers feel under pressure to forgo their pleasure and health in order to advance in their careers.
Sustainable Success: Reaching objectives while preserving one’s physical well-being, mental stability, and solid interpersonal bonds is the definition of true success.
Ambition and Rest in Balance: A Better Way Ahead
There is more than one side to the argument about lengthy work hours. There is a compromise that respects aspirations while maintaining wellbeing:
Redefining Success: Achieving success should involve more than simply material gains; it should also involve community impact, solid relationships, and personal fulfilment.
Prioritising Quality Over Quantity: Better outcomes can be achieved by working more intelligently rather than just harder. Productivity may be increased without adding more hours by using technology, time management, and prioritisation.
Making Rest a Priority: Rest is essential, not a luxury. It reduces burnout, encourages creativity, and revitalises the body and mind.
Creating Supportive Work Cultures: Companies should create settings where workers are encouraged to maintain a work-life balance and feel appreciated. Success and loyalty can be fuelled by growth opportunities, mental health support, and flexible work schedules.
Concluding Thoughts on 90 hours Work Week debate: What is the right balance?
Work is more than just a way to get something done. It’s a chance to grow, contribute, and change the world. But when job takes up all of life, it loses its significance. We must consider our priorities when we are discussing the 90 hours work week. Are we on a path to sacrifice long-term fulfilment for short-term gains?
Achieving goals requires ambition and hard effort, but it must be balanced with relationships, relaxation, and personal wellbeing.
Finding that balance— is a struggle for both individuals and organisations. Let us know what are your thoughts around this topic.