“Indians Should Work on Sundays?” Nation-Building vs. The Hidden Costs of Overwork on Mental Health and Happiness

The recent remarks by L&T Chairman S. N. Subrahmanyan advocating for a 90-hour work week and working on Sundays have reignited debates about work culture in India. While his dedication may stem from passion and a position that pays handsomely, it raises the question: Can a nation be built on the back of overworked youth, or does it risk collapsing under the weight of mental health crises, job burnout, and unhappiness?

The Push for Productivity

Subrahmanyan’s statement reflects an ethos that views hard work as the cornerstone of national development. In a country aspiring to become a global superpower, the argument for working harder to drive economic growth holds merit. With India being one of the world’s youngest nations—over 50% of its population below the age of 30—its youth represents immense untapped potential. However, this narrative glosses over a critical question:

Is a longer workweek the solution, or does it simply perpetuate a flawed system?

India already leads globally in work hours, with employees working an average of 48+ hours per week. Yet, the quality of output, employee satisfaction, and innovation do not necessarily match this level of effort. The problem isn’t the quantity of work but the inefficiencies in work culture, lack of fair compensation, and disregard for work-life balance.

The Cost of Overworking the Youth

1. Mental Health Crisis

   • India accounts for nearly 15% of the global mental health burden. Long working hours contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, particularly among the youth who are striving to meet professional and societal expectations.

   • The stigma around seeking help exacerbates the issue, leaving many to suffer in silence, resulting in decreased productivity and increasing societal costs.

2. Job Burnout

   • A culture that glorifies overwork often leads to burnout, characterized by physical exhaustion, emotional detachment, and reduced efficiency. A burnt-out workforce cannot sustain a nation’s growth.

3. Happiness and Creativity

   • A happy employee is a productive employee. Nations that prioritize work-life balance, such as the Nordic countries, consistently top global happiness and productivity indices. Overworking stifles creativity, the cornerstone of innovation, which is critical for India’s aspirations in technology, entrepreneurship, and industry.

The Financial Reality

1. The Tax Burden

   • High-income tax rates in India erode the earnings of even those who work 90-hour weeks. This creates a paradox: even if one works harder, much of their “extra” earnings are consumed by the state, leaving limited motivation for the average worker to push beyond the norm.

2. Unequal Compensation

   • Subrahmanyan’s statement ignores the fact that most workers in India do not share his level of compensation. A large portion of the workforce remains underpaid, making the idea of additional hours unappealing and unsustainable.

The Path Forward: Smart Work Over Hard Work

Instead of advocating for extreme work hours, policymakers and industry leaders should focus on structural changes that balance productivity with well-being.

1. Efficient Work Cultures

   Eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and streamline processes to ensure that employees achieve more within standard working hours.

2. Fair Pay and Benefits

   Reward employees adequately for their contributions. This incentivizes productivity without resorting to unsustainable workloads.

3. Mental Health Support

   Incorporate workplace mental health programs and mandatory downtime to ensure employees recharge and remain engaged.

4. Flexible Work Models

   Encourage hybrid and flexible work schedules to cater to individual preferences, fostering both productivity and satisfaction.

5. Tax Reforms

   Provide tax relief or incentives for the middle class and working professionals to ensure they reap the benefits of their hard work, fostering a sense of purpose and ownership in nation-building.

Nation Building with Balance

Building a nation requires more than just a hardworking workforce; it requires a healthy, happy, and innovative one. The youth are not just cogs in the wheel of productivity; they are the future architects of a better India. Asking them to sacrifice their Sundays, their mental health, and their passions for a flawed economic system is neither sustainable nor just.

Instead, let’s focus on creating a work culture that values quality over quantity, collaboration over competition, and balance over burnout. After all, a nation built on the well-being and fulfillment of its citizens is far more likely to thrive than one driven by relentless overwork.