In the past few weeks, there’s been a lot of talk about long working hours. Narayana Murthy said people should work 70 hours a week, and now the L&T chairman has gone even further, suggesting 90 hours. Honestly, this way of thinking feels outdated and ignores everything we’ve learned about what actually makes people—and businesses—successful.
Let’s start with some facts. Research shows that after putting in 50 hours of work in a week, people’s productivity starts dropping fast. By the time they get to 55 hours, they’re barely getting anything done. A study by Stanford University confirms this. So, instead of doing more, working longer just makes people tired, less focused, and more likely to make mistakes.
It’s not just about getting less done. Long hours are bad for an individual’s health too. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has found that working too much can increase the risk of strokes and heart disease. And when people feel overworked, they lose interest in their jobs, creativity takes a nosedive, and eventually, they burn out.
The Happiness Research Academy, which studies what makes employees happy at work, has found that happy employees are simply better at their jobs. They’re more productive, more innovative, and they actually enjoy working. When people feel supported and appreciated, they bring more energy and enthusiasm to their work. And here’s the kicker: happier employees aren’t just good for themselves—they’re great for the company. They help create a positive environment where everyone performs better.
There’s other research that backs this up too. A study by Oxford University found that happy employees are 13 per cent more productive. Another report by Gallup showed that employees who feel cared for are not only more productive but also less likely to burn out or leave their jobs.
This brings us to a simple truth: it’s not about the number of hours a person works—it’s about how much they make those hours count. Quality matters more than quantity. Long hours don’t automatically lead to better results; they often lead to fatigue, errors, and a toxic work culture.
What really drives success is effectiveness and productivity. An employee’s contribution should be measured by the impact of their work, not by how long they sit at their desk. When people are rested, motivated, and happy, they deliver their best—whether it’s in five hours or fifty. Time spent doesn’t matter if the output isn’t effective.
It’s understandable that there are moments when a team may need to push harder to meet deadlines or finish a big project. But making long hours the norm is a terrible idea. It drains people, reduces their efficiency, and creates a culture where burnout is normalised. Businesses thrive when their people are energised, creative, and engaged—not exhausted.
Great companies are built on the energy and creativity of their people. That is the truth. Forcing people to slog through endless hours doesn’t lead to success—it leads to frustration and failure. Businesses that focus on employee well-being see the difference. They attract and keep the best talent, their teams are more productive, and their culture is one that people desire to be part of.
In the end, it’s simple. Treat people well, respect their time, and let them have lives outside work. Success isn’t about hours logged—it’s about meaningful contributions and impactful results. It’s time we stopped glorifying endless work hours and started focusing on what really matters—happiness. Only happy and motivated people can deliver great work and enhance productivity.
The author, Raj Nayak is the founder of House of Cheer Networks
