When the chairman of a leading corporation such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T) suggests that employees should work 90-hour weeks, it understandably sparks debates. For some, it may conjure the age-old image of relentless dedication leading to success. For others, especially in today’s workplace culture, it feels like a step backward—a throwback to a time when overwork was mistaken for productivity.
Industrialist Harsh Goenka was among the first to weigh in, saying:
“Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave”
Goenka’s statement highlights a crucial truth: working endless hours doesn’t guarantee results. Instead, it risks employee well-being and company performance, making it a short-sighted strategy in today’s world.
‘Working longer equals working better’ is a notion that has been debunked by decades of research. Studies consistently show that productivity plateaus or even declines after a certain number of hours. The 40-hour workweek wasn’t arbitrarily chosen; it was implemented to strike a balance between work efficiency and employee well-being. Research from Stanford University found that productivity drops sharply after 50 hours of work per week, with almost no additional output beyond 55 hours.
The key to success is not clocking long hours but making those hours count. Companies that prioritise smart work over hard work often outperform those stuck in the grind culture.
“Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave”
Harsh Goenka, chairman, RPG Enterprises
Encouraging a 90-hour workweek isn’t just a productivity issue—it’s a well-being crisis waiting to happen. Prolonged overwork leads to burnout, stress-related illnesses, and mental-health challenges.
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, a vocal advocate for mental health, addressed this concern on Instagram, stating:
“Shocking to see people in such senior positions making such statements #mentalhealthmatters.”
Deepika Padukone, actress
Her comment resonated widely, underscoring the mental-health consequences of relentless work hours. Employees need time to recharge, refresh, and re-energise. They need opportunities to pursue hobbies, nurture passions, and spend quality moments with family and friends. These activities are not distractions—they’re essential for a fulfilling life and a productive workforce.
Happy employees are more collaborative, innovative, and resilient. When organisations prioritise well-being, they see stronger loyalty and better performance.
The younger members of the workforce—Millennials and Gen Z—have reshaped workplace dynamics. For them, work is no longer the defining feature of their lives. They seek jobs that align with their values, provide a sense of purpose, and allow them to grow personally and professionally.
Organisations that fail to adapt to these changing expectations risk alienating the very people they need to succeed. Statements glorifying extreme work hours may appeal to traditionalists but feel out of sync with a generation that prioritises well-being over burnout.
Instead of pushing for longer hours, leaders should focus on creating cultures of innovation and efficiency. Raj Nayak, founder, House of Cheer, captures this idea perfectly in a recent post on X:
“It’s not about how many hours you work but the quality of those hours. True efficiency lies in productivity, not just time spent. Empirical evidence shows that happy employees are more productive. To achieve this, employees need opportunities to refresh, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends, as well as pursue their passions and hobbies. Burnout is the last thing you want in your workforce. Instead, prioritise building a culture of health, happiness, and productivity—because a fulfilled employee is the key to a thriving organisation. #HappiestPlacesToWork®”
Raj Nayak, founder, House of Cheer
This perspective underscores the importance of balance. Organisations that create environments where employees feel valued and supported don’t just perform better—they also attract and retain top talent.
The role of leaders today is to inspire, not demand. The best leaders recognise that success cannot be achieved by grinding employees to exhaustion but by creating workplaces where people thrive.
As Harsh Goenka rightly points out, perpetual office shifts lead to burnout, not success. Deepika Padukone’s advocacy for mental health reinforces the need for compassionate leadership. Raj Nayak’s emphasis on happiness and productivity highlights the future of work: building cultures where people can thrive both professionally and personally.
Progress lies not in returning to the ways of the past but in building cultures that champion both productivity and happiness.
After all, the true hallmark of a great organisation isn’t how long its employees work but how fulfilled, innovative, and effective they feel while doing so.
The future of work belongs to those who understand that happiness isn’t a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage.
