Ana Sebastian Peril, a 26-year-old, had recently landed her dream job after completing her Chartered Accountant (CA) course. Just four months into her new role at EY, a multinational firm, Ana tragically passed away due to a heart attack. Her mother, devastated by the loss, wrote to EY India’s chairman, pointing to the stressful work culture as the cause of her daughter’s death. Ana was a hardworking topper throughout her education and dedicated countless hours to her job—ultimately, a lifestyle that took its toll. This story is not unique but highlights a growing concern in India’s work environment: Are we pushing ourselves too hard?
The Indian Work Ethic: A Double-Edged Sword
India is known for its hardworking population. A McKinsey survey revealed that 60% of Indian respondents reported symptoms of fatigue. India consistently ranks high in global lists for overworking, with cities like Mumbai and Delhi standing out as some of the most hardworking globally.
Yet, this comes at a cost. According to a 2021 study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), working more than 55 hours a week significantly increases the risk of premature death due to health issues. India had the highest number of such deaths, surpassing even China, which is known for its demanding work culture.
Long Hours: A Common Reality in India
ILO data paints a concerning picture for India’s workforce. Over half of all Indian employees (51.4%) work more than 49 hours a week. This figure is second only to Bhutan. India also ranks 13th out of 170 countries in terms of average weekly working hours, with employees clocking in about 46.7 hours. Surprisingly, India’s work hours surpass those in many lower-income countries, as well as some high-income nations like the UAE and Qatar.
India’s situation mirrors China’s notorious ‘996’ work culture, where employees are expected to work from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week. While China has faced criticism for this unhealthy work trend, India’s work environment remains similarly grueling, especially in certain sectors.
Which Sectors Are Most Affected?
Not all sectors are equal when it comes to long working hours. India’s information and communication sector is hit the hardest, with workers averaging 57.5 hours a week. This is nearly nine hours above the international labour mandate. Professional and technical sectors in India also see workers putting in 55 hours a week, while even labour-intensive fields like agriculture and construction come close to a 48-hour workweek.
Despite the harsh demands across various industries, it’s India’s youth who seem to bear the brunt of this culture. By the age of 20, the average Indian worker is already clocking in around 58 hours a week. This figure only slightly reduces as workers age, dropping to 57 hours in their mid-30s and 53 hours in their mid-50s. Even then, Indian workers are still exceeding the international standard of 48 hours per week.
The Cost of Overworking: Health and Productivity
While it might seem that working long hours contributes to economic growth, the reality is more complex. Every hour of work in India adds just $8 to the nation’s GDP, which is lower than many other developing economies. For example, Vietnam contributes $9.8 per hour, while Indonesia adds $13.5, and China’s hourly contribution is $15.4.
Long working hours not only strain workers’ physical and mental health but also diminish productivity. The reality is, the more time spent working does not necessarily translate into more output. Instead, overworked employees often experience burnout, leading to reduced efficiency and mistakes on the job.
Should We Reconsider India’s Work Culture?
Ana’s story is just one example of how India’s work culture can have dire consequences. The data surrounding long working hours and their impact on health and productivity is a call for change. While hard work is deeply ingrained in India’s ethos, there is an urgent need to strike a balance between dedication and well-being.
Organizations need to step up and create a healthier work environment, one that values quality over quantity. After all, the cost of overworking may be far greater than any economic gain.
