What Indian CEOs are saying about corporate work culture and debate on long hours

Amid the heated debate ignited by L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s endorsement of a 90-hour workweek, Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, opened up about her own experience of working close to 100 hours a week—and explained why it ultimately didn’t work for her.

Gupta recounted her early career experience, working 100-hour weeks for several months, revealing the toll it took on her mental and physical health. “90% of the time, I was miserable,” she admitted, explaining that despite the long hours, her productivity suffered due to burnout. Her message: hard work must be sustainable to lead to long-term success, and working long hours does not necessarily equate to working effectively.

Highlighting the importance of work-life balance, Gupta noted that in the modern era, work should not come at the expense of family life and mental health. With additional responsibilities at home—caring for her parents and balancing family life—Gupta underscored the challenges of managing both a demanding career and personal commitments.

Gupta’s views come amid a broader conversation about work culture in India, sparked by Subrahmanyan’s comments advocating for a 90-hour workweek. Subrahmanyan’s statement has generated considerable debate, with many questioning whether such an intense commitment is necessary or sustainable in today’s work environment. While Subrahmanyan argues that extended hours are critical for both individual success and national growth, Gupta stresses the importance of a more balanced approach, where productivity and well-being are equally prioritized.

Her views also echo those of Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, who has recently called for greater flexibility in work culture. Poonawalla emphasized that while hard work is vital, long hours should not be glorified to the detriment of employees’ mental health and personal lives. He advocates for a work culture that focuses on productivity and employee well-being, aiming for a sustainable, motivated workforce.

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, also joined the conversation with his thoughts on work-life balance. Speaking at the National Youth Festival in New Delhi, Mahindra strongly disagreed with the idea that the number of hours worked should define success. “Focus on the quality of work, not the quantity,” he said, adding, “Even if it’s 10 hours, you can change the world in 10 hours.” Mahindra emphasized that the debate should not be about how many hours one works, but the output produced in that time. He underscored the importance of leaders making wise, well-rounded decisions, which require exposure to diverse experiences and perspectives, including time spent with family and reflecting on life outside of work. “If you're not spending time at home, if you're not spending time with friends, if you're not reading, how will you bring the right inputs into making a decision?” Mahindra asked, stressing that a balanced life leads to better decision-making.

Contrasting these perspectives, Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, has long defended the value of long working hours in achieving success. Murthy believes that discipline, hard work, and commitment are essential to building successful enterprises, and his views resonate with many in India’s rapidly developing corporate landscape. Murthy's argument aligns with Subrahmanyan’s endorsement of extended work hours, suggesting that hard work is fundamental to achieving corporate goals.

The debate between Subrahmanyan, Murthy, Poonawalla, Gupta, and Mahindra underscores the evolving discourse on work culture in India. While Murthy and Subrahmanyan emphasize the role of discipline and long hours in corporate success, Gupta, Poonawalla, and Mahindra highlight the importance of mental health, family life, and a sustainable work environment.

Gupta’s conclusion serves as a call for a more balanced approach to work, advocating for a culture where employees find purpose in their roles and are motivated by fulfillment rather than mere long hours. "Let’s tell our kids that having a happy relationship with work and life is possible," she said, stressing the need for a society that achieves economic growth without sacrificing personal well-being and happiness.

As India continues to grow as a global economic power, the conversation around work culture, employee well-being, and long-term success remains critical. The differing views of business leaders like Gupta, Poonawalla, Mahindra, Murthy, and Subrahmanyan provide valuable insights into the challenges of balancing ambition, family life, and personal health in an increasingly competitive world.