90-hour workweek

The concept of a 90-hour workweek has ignited significant debate among business leaders, employees, and productivity experts. While some executives advocate for extended work hours to drive success, others emphasize the importance of work-life balance and question the efficacy of such demands.

CEO Perspectives on the 90-Hour Workweek

• Advocates for Longer Hours:
  • S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), suggested that employees should work 90-hour a week including Sundays, to boost productivity. He questioned, "What do you do sitting at home?" and implied that time spent at home could be better utilized working.
  • Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, criticized India's shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek and advocated for a 70-hour workweek to enhance productivity. He cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reputed 100-hour workweek as an example.
• Critics and Moderates:
  • Nalin Negi, CEO of BharatPe, emphasized that quality matters more than the number of hours worked. He stated, "A happy employee will always be more productive."
  • Sanjeev Sanyal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's top economic advisor, criticized the trend of 80-hour workweeks, asserting that only senior managers with substantial support can endure such schedules.

Impact of a 90-Hour Workweek

Pros:

• Short-term Productivity Gains: In high-stakes industries, extended hours may lead to quick innovation or problem-solving.
• Professional Development: Some employees report rapid learning and exposure to new challenges in such environments.

Cons:

• Health Risks: Excessive work hours are linked to chronic stress, mental health issues, and severe health risks.
• Diminished Productivity: Studies indicate that productivity peaks at around 35-40 hours per week, with diminishing returns beyond this range.
• Employee Turnover: Unsustainable demands often lead to higher attrition rates, costing organizations talent and resources.

Striking the Right Balance

1. Focus on Outcomes, Not Hours:
   • Prioritizing results over the number of hours worked can lead to more efficient and effective performance.
2. Flexible Work Models:
   • Allowing employees to manage their schedules based on workload promotes better morale and engagement.
3. Prioritize Employee Well-being:
   • Implementing mental health programs and wellness initiatives can lead to sustained creativity and loyalty.
4. Leadership by Example:
   • Leaders should model balanced behavior, demonstrating that work-life balance is essential for long-term success.

Conclusion

The notion that a 90-hour workweek inherently leads to success is misguided. While it may yield short-term gains, it is not a sustainable strategy for most industries. Employees are likely to experience diminishing returns, health issues, and disengagement. Fostering a culture that values efficiency, flexibility, and well-being is a more effective path to sustained productivity and success.

Summary

• 90-hour workweeks have been advocated by some leaders but face criticism due to health risks and diminishing productivity.
• CEO opinions vary, with some emphasizing hard work and others highlighting the importance of quality and balance.
• Sustainable productivity is better achieved through focusing on outcomes, flexible work models, and prioritizing employee well-being.