**Employee Sentiment on Extended Work Hours: A Growing Dissent**
Despite calls from several high-profile business leaders for longer working hours to foster “development,” “innovation,” and “growth,” employees are largely opposed to this notion. They emphasize the importance of mental health, stress management, and work-life balance. The debate over a 90-hour work week gained traction after L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggested working on Saturdays and Sundays. Although his views faced significant backlash, he is not alone in this advocacy. Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has long been criticized for promoting a 70-hour work week, and now billionaire Elon Musk has also entered the conversation, commending DOGE employees for their 120-hour work weeks.
A recent survey by Venator Search Partners revealed that 68% of Indian employees find long working hours demotivating, contributing to higher attrition rates. A substantial 84% expressed a preference for a 40-50 hour work week, with only 2% supporting hours beyond 50. The survey indicated that a balanced work week allows employees to manage their personal and professional lives more effectively.
The findings also highlighted workplace stress factors, with 62% of respondents citing unreasonable expectations as the main source of stress. Additionally, 28% attributed their stress to poor management, while 10% linked it to extended working hours.
Moreover, the survey uncovered that 84% of Indian employees do not receive overtime pay for extra hours worked. A significant 80% disapproved of performance being measured by hours worked, advocating instead for outcome-based performance metrics. Employees suggested that companies should align compensation policies with actual work hours to enhance satisfaction.
In major cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, 90% of respondents deemed 12-hour workdays “impractical,” largely due to daily commuting times of two to three hours. Respondents urged employers to consider traffic congestion and commuting challenges. “While the ideal solution remains elusive, companies should strive to adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workforce. Businesses and employees should reflect on what constitutes a healthy, productive work environment in today’s corporate landscape,” stated a representative from Venator Search Partners.
