The 90-Hour Workweek Debate: A Call for Balance in Indian Corporate Culture

The 90-Hour Workweek Debate: A Call for Balance in Indian Corporate Culture

Remarks by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan advocating such extensive hours have highlighted legal and health implications for the workforce.

Legal Framework Governing Work Hours

Indian labor laws, including the Factories Act, 1948, and state-specific Shops and Establishments Acts, cap working hours at 48 per week or nine per day. These laws mandate overtime pay at twice the normal rate for excess hours. However, managerial and supervisory roles are often exempt, leaving many white-collar employees without such protections. For instance, in Maharashtra, the Shops and Establishments Act excludes managerial employees, while in Telangana, it excludes those earning over ₹1,600 monthly. These gaps expose a significant portion of the workforce to unregulated work hours.

Simantika Mukherjee, Group CHRO at Tribeca Developers, emphasizes, “At Tribeca, we firmly believe in fostering a culture that values quality of work over sheer quantity. A 90-hour work week is neither sustainable nor aligned with building a productive and innovative workforce. As leaders, we must acknowledge that empathy and kindness towards employees are not just virtues but essential for long-term success.”

Implications of a 90-Hour Workweek

Extended workweeks can lead to severe health issues such as stress, burnout, and heart-related conditions. Recent incidents, including the death of a young Ernst & Young employee due to overwork, highlight these risks. A 90-hour workweek translates to over 10 hours daily, with commuting adding further strain. This raises concerns about the sustainability and productivity of such practices.

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Global Practices and Indian Corporate Culture

Countries like Germany and France enforce strict labor laws promoting work-life balance. France’s “Right to Disconnect” law prevents after-hours employer contact. In contrast, the Indian corporate narrative often values longer hours as a path to economic growth, as seen in Narayana Murthy’s earlier endorsement of a 70-hour workweek. However, critics argue this focus on hours worked overlooks the importance of outcomes and employee well-being.

Shailja, President of Confianza Consulting, notes, “While big ambitions demand big efforts, working 90-hour weeks is a fast track to burnout, not brilliance. Productivity and innovation thrive when we recognize the importance of rest and work-life balance.

As an entrepreneur in the HR consulting industry, I’ve seen a growing shift where companies are treating their employees as humans, not robots—introducing interventions that promote mental and physical well-being for employees and their families. Rest is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic pause to reflect on progress and recharge for the road ahead. Let’s work hard, but let’s also work smart—because a well-rested team is a winning team.”

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Path Forward

Addressing this issue requires:

1. Legal Reforms: Update labor laws to cover all employees, including managerial roles, ensuring fair work hour regulations.
2. Cultural Shifts: Promote balanced work habits and value productivity over hours clocked.
3. Employee-Centric Policies: Invest in wellness programs and flexible work arrangements to support mental health and work-life balance.

The 90-hour workweek debate underscores the need for Indian businesses to prioritize sustainable practices that balance ambition with employee well-being.

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VoM News Desk

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