Recent comments by SN Subrahmanyan and Narayana Murthy about expecting employees to work 70 to 90 hours a week have sparked a heated debate.
I’ve seen both sides, building startups and working within them. So here’s my take.
The disconnect
The expectation of long hours isn’t new. But the message feels disconnected when it comes from leaders who are comfortably set up, aimed at employees whose salaries barely keep up with the cost of living. They’re being asked to sacrifice their health, relationships, and personal lives in the name of “dedication.”
In recent months there have been headlines about young professionals suffering serious stress-related health problems. That should make all of us question the system.
It has to go both ways
Working long hours isn’t inherently bad. Plenty of founders and employees choose to do it. But it has to be a two-way street.
If companies want people to give their all, they need to give back:
- Secure housing near the workplace
- Comprehensive healthcare for employees and their families
- Access to quality education for their children
- Long-term stability and real career growth
Meet those basic needs, and many people will gladly put in extra hours, not out of compulsion but out of loyalty and a shared vision.
What productive actually means
There’s life beyond work. A well-rested, healthy, supported employee is worth far more than one burned out by relentless pressure.
If we want to build a productive, growing economy, we have to start by respecting the people at its core. It’s time to rethink what a “productive work culture” really means.
Originally published on LinkedIn.