Work-Life Balance
- Bruhaspati Samal -
The concept of fixed working hours, particularly the 8-hour workday, is the result of centuries of struggle by labour movements worldwide. The industrial revolution brought long and gruelling workdays, often stretching to 14 or even 16 hours. Workers, subjected to harsh conditions, began to demand fair treatment and humane schedules, leading to landmark movements such as the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886. These protests laid the foundation for labour laws advocating the 8-hour workday and reasonable weekly working hours. In 1919, the International Labour Organization (ILO) enshrined the 8-hour workday into international labour standards, and it gradually became a norm in many countries. Similarly, the concept of weekly off for employees in India traces back to colonial times, influenced by the Factories Act of 1881. Initially limited to industrial workers, the act aimed to regulate working hours and included provisions for rest days. The Factories Act of 1948 formalized a weekly holiday for workers, mandating one day of rest for every six days of work promoting work-life balance and employee welfare.
Despite these hard-won rights, the modern era has witnessed renewed debates over working hours, with business leaders offering divergent views. Recent controversial statements by Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys, advocating for 70-hour workweeks, and S. N. Subramaniam, Chairman of L&T, pushing for 90-hour weeks, have sparked nationwide discussions. These remarks, seen by many as regressive, undermine decades of progress and risk eroding work-life balance, a cornerstone of modern employment ethics. The debate around work-life balance is polarized, with influential leaders presenting contrasting views. On one side, Narayana Murthy dismisses the concept of work-life balance, emphasizing the need for hard work to drive economic growth. S. N. Subramaniam expressed regret over not making employees work on Sundays, reflecting a mindset focused solely on organizational productivity. On the other side, Anant Goenka of RPG Group champions a balanced approach, advocating for time allocated to family, health, and work. Sagar Adani from Adani Green Energy highlights "work-life harmony," a nuanced concept emphasizing seamless integration rather than strict separation. Similarly, Torrent Power’s Jinal Mehta supports a five-day workweek and flexible work-from-home options, and Nyrika Holkar from Godrej & Boyce emphasizes creating engaging jobs to maintain employee satisfaction.
Working hours vary significantly across countries, reflecting differing economic structures, labour laws, and cultural norms. Developed nations such as Germany, Norway, and the Netherlands boast some of the shortest average working weeks, typically around 35-40 hours. Germany, for example, prioritizes productivity over long hours, emphasizing quality over quantity. In contrast, developing economies like India, China, and Brazil often see extended workweeks exceeding 45-50 hours. Economic pressures and lack of stringent labour regulations contribute to these longer hours, often at the cost of employees’ well-being. The disparity in working hours underscores the need for global standards that prioritize employee health and productivity while addressing the unique challenges of each economy.
Extended working hours and failure to achieve work-life balance have severe repercussions across sectors. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), overwork is linked to a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of heart disease. In Japan, the phenomenon of "karoshi," or death by overwork, claims approximately 2,000 lives annually, with victims suffering from heart attacks, strokes, or suicide due to excessive hours. A 2022 study by the Pew Research Centre found that 42% of employees in the United States who quit their jobs cited burnout as a primary reason. In India, similar trends are emerging, with voluntary retirements and resignations rising sharply across sectors, including corporate, government, and defense. Illustratively, replying to Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1036 on 4th December 2024, the Union Home Minister (State) has admitted that 730 Jawans have tragically taken their own lives over the past five years. Alongside this, a staggering 55,555 personnel have resigned or opted for voluntary retirement during the same period. As reported, chronic stress and overwhelming workloads are primary culprits. Jawans often endure extended working hours and continuous deployments in conflict zones without adequate breaks. This relentless cycle leaves little room for rest or recovery, leading to burnout. Another significant factor is the poor work-life balance with prolonged separations from family and limited opportunities for personal interactions which strain their emotional and mental well-being. A 2023 report by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) revealed that 45% of corporate employees experience symptoms of burnout, with 23% reporting severe mental health issues. Additionally, a survey conducted by LinkedIn found that 63% of Indian professionals prioritize work-life balance when seeking new jobs, underscoring its importance in retaining talent.
To address these challenges, governments and corporations must act decisively. Establishing a uniform workweek of 40 hours across sectors, aligned with global best practices, would be a significant step forward. The government should mandate a maximum five-day workweek to standardize practices and enforce stringent regulations against overwork, ensuring employees are not coerced into extended hours. Flexible work policies, such as remote work and part-time options, should be encouraged to cater to diverse employee needs. Mental health support programs, including counselling services and stress management workshops, should be made mandatory in workplaces. Furthermore, organizations that implement progressive work-life balance policies should be rewarded with tax benefits or public recognition, incentivizing others to follow suit.
Public awareness campaigns can play a vital role in educating employers and employees about the importance of balanced schedules and their impact on health and productivity. The struggle for reasonable working hours is a legacy of the labour movement’s fight for dignity and rights. Today, as debates around extended workweeks resurface, it is essential to reaffirm the principles of work-life balance which is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for sustainable development. Balanced work environments enhance productivity, attract and retain talent, and promote mental health. Research conducted by Stanford University revealed that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, with virtually no productivity gains beyond 55 hours. Thus, Governments and Corporations must create environments where employees thrive without compromising their health and personal lives. The future of work must prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of humanity. Achieving this balance is not just a need of the hour but a responsibility toward the workforce that drives the global economy.
(The author is a Service Union Representative and a Columnist. Mobile: 9437022669, eMail: samalbruhaspati@gmail.com)
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