The 70-Hour Workweek Debate In India’s Startup Ecosystem; Is The Hustle Culture And Startup Enthusiasm Worth The Heavy Price; How Much Are We Willing To Sacrifice?
Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, recently ignited a contentious debate in India with his call for the nation's youth to work for 70 hours per week. In a country already known for having one of the longest working weeks globally, Murthy's suggestion has stirred discussions on the fine line between ambition and the well-being of the workforce, particularly in the dynamic startup ecosystem. While the hustle culture prevails, it's essential to examine the implications of long working hours on productivity, health, and the broader socio-economic impact; how about investing in human capital rather than a maddening rush to 'burn the midnight oil' for it comes at its own cost?
The Hustle Culture, 70-Hour Workweek, Startup Enthusiasm And You!
After months of burning the midnight oil, John* realized he’d spent so much time climbing the career ladder that he’d forgotten to put on the safety harness.
In India’s flourishing startup scene, long working hours have become the norm, with the mantra “wake, work, sleep, repeat” driving many entrepreneurs and their teams.
Startups have attracted individuals with a missionary zeal, emphasizing passion over financial gain. The ethos is clear – they are on a mission to create something impactful, often believing that this requires stretching themselves to the maximum.
Therefore, not surprisingly, Murthy’s call to work longer hours resonated with many startup founders who believe that going the extra mile is essential when building something significant.
Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, co-founder of Wakefit.co, shares that during the early days of his startup, life revolved around work, with founders and early employees working 17-18 hours a day.
Similarly, Mayank Kumar, managing director at edtech unicorn Upgrad, stresses the need for unwavering commitment when trying to create something new.
This hustle culture attracts those who value the adventure of entrepreneurship and the opportunity to build something substantial. That may be true for the founders who are in this quest, and if they have secured funding in the initial stages, then all the more true; they have to build fast and show the ‘results’ to those who have invested, but what about the employees who work as ‘supporters’?
Would it be fair to assume that they should also break their back and ‘burn the midnight oil’ especially when, at the drop of a hat (when things go wrong), they are the first ones to be ousted, as seen in recent times when ‘funding winter’ hit almost all startups!
Also how much is one willing to ‘sacrifice’, not being able to spend quality time with your children, spouse, friends, family and even yourself!
Implications of the Hustle Culture
There is little doubt that the pursuit of ambitious goals through long working hours comes with its share of challenges. The pressure to maintain gruelling schedules and meet relentless deadlines can lead to burnout, severe stress, and, in some cases, tragic health consequences.
The stories of Abreesh Murty, Co-founder and CEO of Pepperfry, aged 51, passing from a heart attack earlier this year, and Kunal Bahl, Co-founder, Snapdeal stating that he feels lonely, highlight the perils of work-related stress; it’s evident that more extended working hours are not the sole recipe for success.
Startups And Nation-Building
Agreed that Startups are vital contributors to nation-building, driving economic growth and employment opportunities; however, the emphasis on long working hours shouldn’t overshadow the importance of labour productivity and well-being.
To achieve meaningful success, it is crucial for founders and their teams to adopt a balanced approach that promotes both productivity and health and not just a ‘blind mad rush’ to outshine and be there!
Investing In Human Capital
The debate on labour productivity in India is complex; while extended working hours are seen as a means to achieve productivity, other factors play a pivotal role.
The effectiveness of labour supply can be enhanced not just by working longer hours but by investing in human capital, improving education and health, and providing more supportive economic environments.
Balancing Ambition And Well-Being
The 70-hour workweek debate in India’s startup ecosystem raises critical questions about the balance between ambition and well-being.
In the pursuit of success, entrepreneurs and their employees often find themselves pushing to work long hours; however, maintaining their physical and mental health should be a priority as well. Achieving this equilibrium is not only beneficial for the individual but also for the long-term growth of the nation.
The Hustle Culture: A Double-Edged Sword
While the hustle culture has its merits, it’s crucial to acknowledge its limitations; long working hours can lead to a host of problems for employees, including:
1. Burnout: Prolonged periods of intense work can lead to burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a sense of cynicism. Burnout not only affects the individual but also the organization’s productivity.
2. Mental Health Issues: High-stress levels and excessive work hours can contribute to mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. The startup world is no stranger to stories of founders and employees struggling with their mental well-being.
3. Health Consequences: Neglecting physical health can result in a range of problems, from sleep disorders to obesity and heart conditions. The case of Abreesh Murty’s untimely passing highlights the dire consequences of overworking.
4. Decline in Creativity: A relentless focus on work can hinder creativity and innovation. Creativity often thrives in moments of relaxation and reflection, which are often sacrificed in long workweeks.
5. Work-Life Imbalance: An extreme focus on work can strain personal relationships and erode the work-life balance, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Balancing ambition with well-being necessitates recognizing these challenges and developing strategies to mitigate them; achieving success in the startup world should not come at the cost of health and happiness.
Employee Well-Being
Entrepreneurs often view their journey as a mission, a calling to create something meaningful and impactful. The passion that drives them is undeniable, but it’s crucial to navigate this path with an eye on the well-being of their employees.
Beyond individual well-being, the debate on the 70-hour workweek points to broader issues related to labour productivity in India.
Burnout And Feeling ‘Alienated’
Long working hours can take a severe toll on mental health. Dr. Goud, a Senior Psychiatrist at Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar, stresses the increased stress and anxiety caused by financial uncertainties and job insecurity.
A lack of support systems and a heavy workload worsen the situation, with workplace culture often neglecting mental health issues related to work-related stress.
The Lancet reflects on the impact of overworking on mental health, emphasizing the physiological responses such as fatigue, stress, impaired sleep, and unhealthy lifestyle changes in response to stress; overworking not only affects work performance and productivity but also creates a vicious cycle of stress.
Archana Singhal, a Counselor and Founder of Mindwell Counsel, points out that despite growing awareness about mental health, the stigma, cultural taboos, professional concerns, and fear of humiliation still deter many from seeking help.
Health Risks: Type-2 Diabetes and Heart Disease
Research published in the Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that individuals with prediabetes who work more than 52 hours a week face a 95% higher risk of developing Type-2 diabetes compared to those working 35–40 hours per week.
The implications are significant, as diabetes is responsible for 20.9 deaths per 100,000 population, according to WHO data.
Dr. Dhiman Kahali, Director of the Interventional Cardiology Department at BM Birla Heart Research Centre, Kolkata, warns about the detrimental effects of long hours on heart health.
He highlights that mental stress is nearly as harmful as smoking for the heart; prolonged work hours can lead to burnout, anxiety, a chaotic lifestyle, skipping meals, and an inability to disconnect from work; this stressful lifestyle places excessive pressure on the heart.
Cardiovascular Disease and Increased Mortality
The joint release by WHO and ILO reveals a disturbing trend – the number of deaths from cardiovascular diseases induced by long working hours has increased by 42%, and the number of deaths from stroke has risen by 19%. Thus indicating the severe implications of extended work hours on heart health and overall well-being.
Early Death And Occupational Diseases
The same release reports that in 2016, long working hours contributed to 745,000 deaths from stroke and heart disease, marking a 29% increase from 2020.
It is estimated that one-third of the total burden of diseases caused by work can be attributed to extended work hours. Long working hours present the most significant risk factor for occupational diseases, affecting a staggering 9% of the global population and placing more and more individuals at risk of work-related disability and premature death.
Balancing Ambition With Well-Being
While not everyone can afford to stop working long hours, it is essential to implement strategies to safeguard mental health until corporate reforms are in place.
Dr. Singhal concludes that escaping the stress of extended work hours requires self-awareness to navigate the complexities of one’s professional life and the understanding that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Way Forward
The 70-hour workweek debate serves as a catalyst for a broader discussion about ambition, well-being, and labour productivity in India.
While long working hours are an undeniable part of the startup culture, they should also be tempered with a focus on individual and collective welfare and ambition, and success should not come at the cost of mental and physical health.
The Last Bit,
Narayan Murthy’s call for Indians to embrace 70-hour workweeks is not just a ‘tough’ call but outright ‘unhealthy’, and there needs to be a debate regarding the balance between ambition and well-being.
While professional success is undoubtedly important, it should not come at the expense of mental and physical health. Long working hours are associated with a range of health risks, from mental health struggles to chronic medical conditions and increased mortality.
Individuals, organizations, and policymakers must understand that well-being alongside professional achievement creates a harmonious approach that fosters both individual and societal growth. Balancing ambition and well-being is the key to a brighter and healthier future for all
.
