Industry Leaders Assert Work-Life Balance Is Essential, Not Optional Amidst 90-Hour Work Week Debate

Industry leaders Harsh Mariwala, Harsh Goenka, and Rajiv Bajaj have voiced their opinions on the ongoing debate about a 90-hour work week. They emphasise that work-life balance is crucial and not just about clocking long hours. The idea of extended work hours, if necessary, should begin with top executives setting the example.

Representative image

Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan sparked controversy with his comments advocating for a 90-hour work week. He questioned how long one can stare at their spouse while suggesting employees should even give up Sundays. His remarks led to scrutiny of his remuneration, which was Rs 51.05 crore in 2023-24, 534.57 times the median pay of company employees.

Industry Leaders Weigh In

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka expressed his disapproval on X, saying, "90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to Sun-duty and make day off a mythical concept!" He added, "Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That's a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn't optional, it's essential. Well, that's my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave."

Marico Ltd Chairman Harsh Mariwala also joined the discussion on X. He stated that while hard work is vital for success, it isn't about the hours logged but the quality and passion during those hours. He believes that young professionals should be placed in roles that challenge them and promote growth and learning.

The Importance of Organisational Culture

Mariwala further emphasised the need for organisations to foster a culture based on transparency, trust, and meritocracy, free from gossip and politics. The goal should be to make work so fulfilling that work-life balance naturally integrates into one's life. When individuals find purpose in their work, balancing personal and professional life becomes seamless.

Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, shared his views on a TV channel regarding the 90-hour work week. He suggested starting this practice at the top level as a proof of concept before implementing it more broadly. Bajaj criticised measuring work hours as outdated and regressive.

Previous Debates on Work Hours

Last year, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy stirred controversy by suggesting young people in India should be ready to work 70 hours a week. Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal supported Murthy's stance. Recently, billionaire Gautam Adani also commented on the work-life balance debate.

Adani mentioned that spending eight hours with family might lead to one's spouse leaving them. He argued that work-life balance is personal and shouldn't be imposed by others. Whether someone finds joy in spending four or eight hours with family is their choice.

The conversation around work-life balance continues to evolve as industry leaders share their perspectives. The emphasis remains on finding a balance that suits individual needs while ensuring productivity and personal fulfilment.