Impact of Prolonged Working Hours on Human Psyche and Work Culture

As the debate over long working hours intensifies, Raisina Hill delves into more than just the economic impact—it uncovers the deep, lasting effects on individual well-being and the delicate balance of societal harmony. The issue is not just about time; it’s about the toll it takes on our lives and the world around us.

The notion of extending the workweek to 70 or 90 hours, though perhaps conceived with the intention of driving productivity and economic growth, must be scrutinized through the lens of our collective values and the enduring principles of human dignity and social justice.

In the words of Jawaharlal Nehru, “It is not enough to declare ourselves to be a free nation. We must also strive to be a nation that is just, equitable, and compassionate.”

Now, in the light of the statements made by Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, billionaire businessman and Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy and L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, who all said something or the other on the work-life balance, let us do a systemic analysis of what their viewpoints reflect:

1. Lessons Unheeded from the Past: This elucidates the apparent deficiency in comprehension exhibited by contemporary visionaries regarding the historical tribulations that culminated in the present-day labour standards. Their contemporary remarks, therefore, resonate with an air of hauteur and dismissiveness.

• Before the establishment of the 8-hour workday, labourers often worked much longer hours, typically ranging from 10 to 16 hours a day. This was especially common during the Industrial Revolution when factory work demanded long hours to keep production running continuously.
• Before the Industrial Revolution in Britain, the working day could stretch from 10 to 16 hours, the workweek often lasted six days, and child labour was widespread.
• On May 4, 1886, in Chicago, the Haymarket Riot erupted during a strike for an eight-hour workday. What began as a peaceful protest turned into a massacre, with many killed and injured. Four protesters were hanged, and before their execution, they shouted, “The time will come when our silence will be more powerful than the voices you strangle today.”
• The eight-hour workday, or 40-hour workweek, didn’t become the standard by chance. When the US government first began tracking workers’ hours in 1890, full-time manufacturing employees were toiling through grueling 100-hour workweeks. Key milestones include:

»1835: Philadelphia carpenters organized the first strike for a shorter, 10-hour workday.

»1866: The National Labor Union in the United States called for an 8-hour workday.

»1886: The Haymarket Affair in Chicago brought significant attention to the movement.

»1915: Uruguay became the first country to establish an 8-hour workday for non-agricultural workers.

»1938: The Fair Labor Standards Act in the United States solidified the 8-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek as the national standard.

2. Concept of weekends: While it’s true that the modern concept of a weekend, particularly the two-day weekend, has strong roots in Western labour reforms, it’s not entirely accurate to say that the idea of a weekend is exclusively a Western construct.

• Ancient Rome: The Roman Empire had market days called “nundinae,” where people paused work on the ninth day to trade and receive laws.
• Han Dynasty China: Officials received one day off every five days for rest and personal care.
• Christianity: Sunday became the traditional day of rest based on the Ten Commandments. In 321 CE, Roman Emperor Constantine enshrined Sunday as a day of rest.
• Tata Steel: In 1912, Tata Steel introduced the 8-hour shift and pioneered the 5-day workweek, setting a significant precedent in labour reform.
• Henry Ford: In 1914, Ford Motor Company introduced the five-day, 40-hour workweek with two days off.
• Global Spread: The concept of weekends spread globally, with variations in different countries. In many Muslim countries, Friday became the day of rest due to special prayers, and the weekend often includes Friday and Saturday.
• Pre-Modern India:

»Religious and Cultural Practices: In pre-modern India, there were cultural and religious practices that provided regular rest days. For instance, in many Hindu communities, the day of rest often coincided with religious observances, such as Ekadashi (the 11th day of the lunar cycle), which was a day of fasting and rest.

»Weekly Markets and Fairs: Traditional agrarian societies had market days (weekly bazaars or haat), which naturally provided a break from regular agricultural activities.

»Colonial Influence: The British colonial administration brought Western labour practices to India, including the concept of weekends. The industrial and administrative sectors under British rule began to adopt Saturday and Sunday as days of rest.

»Post-Independence: After gaining independence, India continued to adopt and adapt these labour practices. Major industries and the government sector embraced the two-day weekend to align with global standards and improve worker productivity and well-being.

In essence, while the formalized two-day weekend as we know it today has significant Western origins, the idea of designated rest days has existed in various forms in Indian culture long before colonial times. It’s a blend of traditional practices and modern labour reforms.

3. Industry Titans and Ground Realities: A Stark Disconnect

• The magnates of industry, who preside over vast multimillion-dollar enterprises, have the audacity to advise the populace to toil for 70 to 90 hours a week. All the while, they traverse in luxurious automobiles, frequent opulent offices, partake in sumptuous luncheons and dinners, and retire to their ultra-luxurious abodes, insulated from the very demands they impose on others.
• Meanwhile, the industrious middle class, with unwavering resolve, endures arduous commutes often exacerbated by the severe traffic congestion prevalent in India. They strive to ensure the education of their progeny, secure and diligently repay home loans, and address any shortages, whether of water, electricity, or food—all before embarking on their daily toil.
• The daily labourer, however, bears even greater hardships. They navigate through the gruelling urban sprawl, often squeezed into overcrowded public transport, battling fatigue and the elements. They labour under the relentless sun, their bodies straining under the weight of manual work. Upon returning home, they confront the challenges of scant resources, from ensuring clean drinking water to cooking meals with limited provisions. Despite these trials, they remain steadfast in their commitment to providing their children with an education and maintaining their households with dignity.
• These narrative lays bare the stark dichotomy between the privileged and the working masses, highlighting the deficiency in empathy and understanding demonstrated by contemporary visionaries. It is imperative that we draw lessons from history and the struggles of the labour force to ensure equitable and humane working conditions for all.

4. Rising Unemployment in India: India’s unemployment rate has been a growing concern, with the rate rising sharply to 9.2% in June 2024 from 7.0% in May 2024. This makes it the third highest among the G20 economies. Several factors contribute to this issue, including the highest working-age population in the world, skill mismatches, global geopolitical tensions, and high inflation in foreign economies.

• Industry Leaders’ Initiatives – It is anticipated that industry leaders would spearhead initiatives to generate employment opportunities. However, instead of resolving the rising problem of unemployment, some industry leaders are suggesting that people should work for 70 to 90 hours a week. This approach does not address the root causes of unemployment and may lead to worker burnout and decreased productivity.
• Software Industry Employment – Rather than requiring individuals to work 70 to 90 hours a week, adopting a shift-based schedule can distribute the workload among 2 or 3 people, thereby generating additional employment opportunities. This approach can:

»Increase Job Opportunities: By creating more positions, the industry can alleviate unemployment.

»Improve Work-Life Balance: Employees would benefit from shorter, more manageable work hours, reducing burnout and improving overall well-being.

»Boost Productivity: Well-rested employees are likely to be more productive and efficient.

»Economic Growth: Higher employment rates lead to increased consumer spending and economic stimulation.

»Skill Development: More job openings would attract a skilled workforce, enhancing the industry’s competitiveness.

While implementing this model, challenges like infrastructure investment, coordination, and employee adaptation need to be addressed. Overall, the shift-based approach can significantly contribute to resolving the rising unemployment crisis and fostering a more equitable and sustainable workforce.

• Reinforcing the Culture of Cyber Coolies – Despite the potential for job creation, some industry leaders are reinforcing the culture of cyber coolies by suggesting long working hours. This approach contradicts the ongoing discussions to counter unemployment by splitting wages and reducing workdays to 4 days a week. Such measures would help distribute work more evenly and create more job opportunities.

5. Stagnant Salaries, Rising Taxation, and Increasing Gold and Personal Loans: The Economic Strain on India’s Middle Class

• In the contemporary economic landscape, there is a growing concern within the government regarding the disparity between corporate profits and employee salaries. Despite private sector profits reaching a 15-year high, salaries have remained stagnant. According to a survey by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), corporate profits have increased fourfold between 2019 and 2023, while salary increments have been in the single digits.
• The middle class is bearing the brunt of this economic imbalance, facing high taxation, lower salaries, and increased working hours. Industry leaders have also voiced their concerns, adding to the discourse. Interestingly, the meme culture of our times has shifted the focus away from workers and labourers, who are now largely absent from the discussion.
• A stark example of this disparity is the case of a chairman earning ₹14 lakhs a day, while a labourer earning ₹3000 a day is expected to forego his four holidays in a month. This situation highlights the growing economic divide and the exploitation of the working class.
• The Economic Times reports that amid a surge in microfinance institution (MFI) defaults, small borrowers are increasingly resorting to debt. The microfinance sector is experiencing severe asset quality stress, with CreditAccess Grameen reporting a net loss of ₹100 crore in Q3FY25 due to increased provisions for stressed loans. The Times of India has also reported that gold loans have reached an all-time high, indicating the financial strain on individuals.
• Furthermore, there has been a noticeable increase in personal loans, reflecting the growing financial burden on households. This trend is concerning as it suggests that many individuals are struggling to manage their finances amidst rising costs and stagnant incomes.

6. Reduced Market Consumption in India: Individuals labour to earn not merely for sustenance, but to savour the fruits of their toil and partake in the leisure it affords. A person engaged in 6 to 8 hours of work subsequently transforms into a consumer during the ensuing 6 to 8 hours, indulging in the manifold pleasures and pursuits that life offers.

• Decline in Purchasing Power – The decline in purchasing power is a significant factor contributing to reduced market demand. According to a report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the outlook on demand conditions remains subdued due to repeated inflation shocks and persisting price pressures. This has led to a reduction in disposable incomes, which in turn affects consumption patterns.
• Impact of Taxation – Taxation also plays a crucial role in this vicious cycle. Taxes reduce disposable income, which affects the ability to spend on necessities and non-essentials. The economic effects of taxation can be studied under three main headings: effects on production, distribution, and allocation of resources. Higher taxes can lead to reduced savings and investment, further impacting economic growth.
• Comparison of Earnings – To put things into perspective, earning ₹1 lakh in 2024 is equivalent to earning ₹38,000 in 2008 when adjusted for inflation and dearness. This stark difference highlights the erosion of purchasing power over the years.
• FMCG Consumption Reports – Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) reports have shown a decline in consumption. This sector is often considered a barometer of the overall economy, as it includes essential items like food, beverages, and household products. Reduced consumption in this sector indicates broader economic challenges.

7. The Shift to Contractualization

• Instead of fostering a diverse talent pool, companies are increasingly resorting to diversifying their workforce by creating categories such as Partner, Trainee, Intern, and other contractual positions. This trend of contractualization allows companies to hire and fire employees without facing significant consequences, such as providing fair compensation. This practice not only contributes to rising unemployment but also fosters resentment among workers.
• The Labour Bureau’s Employment-Unemployment Survey (2015-16) highlights that the share of contract workers in total employment increased sharply from 15.5% in 2000-01 to around 28% in 2015-16. This indicates a significant informalization of the organized workforce. Contract workers often receive lower wages and fewer benefits compared to regular employees, which exacerbates economic instability and social discontent.
• Moreover, the remodeling of overtime in working hours has further strained the workforce. The new Labour Codes introduced by the Indian government in 2020 aim to modernize labour regulations, including provisions for alternative work arrangements and greater flexibility in work schedules. However, these changes have also led to increased working hours without adequate compensation, adding to the financial burden on employees.
• This shift towards contractualization and the remodeling of overtime practices has created a challenging environment for workers, leading to higher unemployment rates and growing resentment.

8. Latent Patriarchy: Indeed, there exists an often-overlooked sentiment that has remained largely unexamined, and perhaps even eluded the perceptive grasp of our learned community. The ramifications of this phenomenon are poised to affect approximately 50% of the workforce engaged in both organized and unorganized sectors. It is the women who are destined to bear the brunt of prolonged working hours.

For this, first dissect the latent patriarchy entrenched within the assertion: “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working.” This statement, replete with an implicit bias, underscores the deep-seated patriarchal norms that pervade our society.

• Objectification of women – By reducing the wife to an object of gaze, Subrahmanyan’s statement perpetuates the notion that women are mere objects for male consumption. This dehumanizing perspective strips women of their individuality and reduces them to mere entities for visual pleasure.
• Male gaze – The phrase “staring at your wife” reinforces the idea that men have the privilege of gazing at women, while women are expected to be passive recipients of this gaze. This dynamic underscore the power imbalance inherent in patriarchal societies, where men are the active observers and women the passive observed.
• Control and Ownership – In this context, Subrahmanyan’s statement can be seen as perpetuating the idea that the husband has the right to dictate how others interact with his wife, including how long they can ‘stare’ at her. This implies that the wife is not an autonomous individual with agency over her own interactions, but rather an object that can be controlled and regulated by her husband. Such notions of control and ownership are antithetical to the principles of equality and individual freedom.
• Sexism and misogyny – The tone and language used by Subrahmanyan are demeaning and disrespectful, perpetuating a culture of sexism and misogyny. By trivializing the role of women and reinforcing harmful stereotypes, such statements contribute to the systemic discrimination and marginalization of women in society.

9. The Erosion of Gender Parity: Approximately a year ago, Elon Musk declared that, “DEI is another word for racism.” For those unacquainted, DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Musk has attributed delayed wildfire responses to DEI initiatives, suggesting that such efforts have diverted funds away from essential services, thereby exacerbating Los Angeles’ wildfire response. Moreover, in November of the previous year, Boeing dissolved its DEI Team. Conservative activists, including Robby Starbuck and Elon Musk, have laid the blame for Boeing’s challenges squarely on DEI.

Why these observations are being presented in Raisina Hill?

It is because when Indian industry magnates propose a 70-hour or 90-hour work week, they are, in essence, tacitly communicating that women are no longer welcome in the workforce, akin to their Western counterparts who overtly criticize DEI. Reflect upon this: for women, the toil never ceases. After fulfilling their official duties, they find themselves labouring in the kitchen, assuming the roles of mother, caregiver, and juggling myriad responsibilities.

As per the International Labour Organization (ILO), women in India devote approximately 299 minutes per day to unpaid care work, in contrast to the 97 minutes spent by men. This stark disparity underscores that women are, in effect, engaged in ceaseless labour, extending beyond their office hours.

Now, envisage a scenario wherein women are compelled to work for 70 or 90 hours a week. They would inevitably struggle to manage household responsibilities effectively, leading to their exit from the workforce. This, in turn, would have far-reaching consequences, not only diminishing the standard of living of an average Indian household but also adversely impacting market consumption, which is already experiencing a decline. This would additionally quash the aspirations of women.

Even today, appraisal systems are not particularly women-friendly. Women are often unfairly judged against men who can dedicate more working hours to company initiatives beyond mandatory billable engagements. These initiatives are pivotal and frequently deemed game-changers during appraisals. Men, who can focus their undivided attention on such initiatives, advance in their careers, while women, albeit more talented and possessing superior ideas, lag behind due to their domestic obligations. This inequitable comparison costs women promotions, salary revisions, and even subjects them to belittlement by senior leadership.

Should a 70-hour or 90-hour work week become a grim reality, it would inevitably result in women withdrawing from the workforce. It is imperative that we recognize and address these challenges to foster a more equitable and inclusive work environment, where women can thrive both professionally and personally.

10. Eroding the Human Psyche and Stifling Innovation: What concerns Raisina Hill profoundly is the potential for protracted working hours to inflict irreparable harm upon the human psyche and the very fabric of our work culture. This relentless grind is likely to engender a cadre of compliant individuals—yes men and women—who acquiesce uncritically to directives, forsaking the noble virtues of questioning and rational discourse.

The incessant demands of an extended workweek can erode the capacity for independent thought and critical analysis. When individuals are perpetually fatigued and overburdened, their ability to challenge the status quo, to scrutinize the underlying rationale behind decisions, and to offer innovative solutions, becomes severely compromised. This culture of unthinking compliance not only stifles creativity and innovation but also undermines the democratic spirit of engagement and debate that is essential for a progressive society.

Moreover, the long hours foster a work environment where dissent is discouraged, and conformity is prized. This perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity, where the pursuit of excellence is sacrificed at the altar of unexamined obedience. Such a scenario is antithetical to the principles of a vibrant and dynamic workplace, where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but are also seen as instrumental in driving progress and growth.

In essence, the imposition of excessively long working hours poses a grave threat to the mental well-being of individuals and the overall health of our work culture. It is imperative that Indians resist such draconian measures and strive to create a balanced work environment that nurtures critical thinking, values dissent, and champions the cause of human dignity and creativity.

11. The Perils of Conflating Nationalism with Economic Endeavours: The perils of conflating every aspect of our national life with the fervour of nationalism cannot be overstated. From the mundane act of selling underwear to the lofty enterprise of manufacturing tiles, invoking the banner of nationalism as a justification is fraught with danger. This rationale, often cloaked in the imperative of competing with China, is fundamentally flawed. The socio-economic landscapes of China and India are markedly distinct, shaped by unique historical, cultural, and political contexts. To indiscriminately transpose the circumstances of one nation onto another is to disregard the complex realities that define each.

Moreover, the instrumentalization of nationalism to drive economic endeavours engenders a myopic worldview, wherein the pursuit of national pride eclipses the principles of rationality and pragmatism. This approach risks fostering a climate of xenophobia and insularity, where critical engagement with global standards and best practices is eschewed in favour of an insular and jingoistic ethos.

Nationalism, when wielded as a bludgeon to compel increased labour and productivity, undermines the ethos of individual dignity and free will. It imposes an untenable burden on citizens, compelling them to subordinate their personal aspirations and well-being to the nebulous cause of national glory. In the long run, such an approach is likely to erode the social fabric, engendering disillusionment and dissent among the populace.

Thus, while the spirit of patriotism and national pride holds an esteemed place in our collective consciousness, it must not be perverted into a tool for coercion and conformity. It is imperative that Indians strive for a balanced and enlightened perspective, one that recognizes the distinctiveness of our national circumstances and upholds the principles of reason, inclusivity, and human dignity. In doing so, the people can chart a course towards progress that is both sustainable and just, free from the shackles of unwarranted nationalism.

12. Corporate Declarations and Hidden Agendas: A Critical Examination: When corporate leaders make such provocative statements, one cannot dismiss the possibility that they are indeed testing the waters, gauging the public and governmental response. These declarations are seldom made in isolation or without foresight. Instead, they may well be part of a broader strategy to influence policy and public opinion.

There exists a troubling undercurrent wherein the notion of extended working hours is being normalized. By advocating for a 70-hour or 90-hour work week, these corporate titans may be subtly suggesting that employees should be willing to endure excessive labour for the purported greater good. This rhetoric, if left unchecked, risks paving the way for a workforce that is more akin to modern-day serfdom, where individuals have little choice but to comply with gruelling demands.

Furthermore, such statements may serve to signal to the government that there is a contingent of the populace prepared to acquiesce to such conditions, potentially swaying policy in favour of deregulation and diminished labour protections. This is a dangerous precedent, one that undermines the hard-fought rights and dignities of workers.

The insinuation that these statements are not made in isolation suggests that there may indeed be a more insidious agenda at play. It is conceivable that these corporate leaders are laying the groundwork for a shift towards a more exploitative labour market, one where the interests of capital are prioritized over the well-being of the workforce. This conjecture, though speculative, warrants vigilance and critical scrutiny.

In essence, it is imperative that we remain alert to these developments and actively challenge any narrative that seeks to erode the fundamental rights and protections of workers. The need of the hour is to foster a work culture that respects the dignity and well-being of every individual, rather than succumbing to the pressures of an unrelenting and unjust economic paradigm. It is through such vigilance and collective action that we can safeguard the principles of equity and justice in the workplace.

In conclusion, the imposition of excessively long working hours poses a grave threat not only to the mental and physical well-being of individuals but also to the very fabric of our work culture and societal values.

It risks creating a workforce of unthinking compliance, stifling innovation, and undermining the democratic spirit of engagement and debate.

As we navigate the complexities of economic development, it is imperative that we resist such draconian measures and strive to create a balanced work environment that nurtures critical thinking, values dissent, and champions the cause of human dignity and creativity.

In the pursuit of progress, let us not forsake the principles of equity and justice that are the bedrock of a truly free and enlightened society.

As Nehru once said, “Success often comes to those who dare and act. It seldom goes to the timid who are ever afraid of the consequences.” Let us dare to envision and build a future where work is not a burden but a source of fulfilment and joy for all. Happy Working!