As the discourse around work-life balance heats up, Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and a prominent shark on the upcoming Shark Tank India 4, has taken a strong stand against the idea of a 70-hour work week. Her comments come in response to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s recent appeal for India’s youth to adopt longer work hours to enhance productivity and compete globally.

“I strongly believe that a 70-hour work week is not only unsustainable but also detrimental to an individual’s physical and mental well-being,” Namita said. She highlighted the stark difference between founders, who often work extensive hours for financial rewards, and regular employees, who do not have such incentives. “While founders and leaders may be willing to put in 20 hours a day due to significant financial rewards, this is not viable for regular employees who work for fixed salaries without additional upside.”

Namita warned that such excessive work hours could lead to “severe physical and mental health issues, absent parenting, and a lack of work-life balance, ultimately resulting in widespread employee misery and burnout.” She urged companies to rethink their approach to work culture, saying, “It’s time for companies to prioritize the well-being of their employees and establish reasonable working hours.”

The fourth season of Shark Tank India is set to stream from January 6, 2025, exclusively on Sony LIV. This year’s star-studded panel includes seasoned entrepreneurs such as Anupam Mittal (Shaadi.com), Aman Gupta (boAt Lifestyle), Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Peyush Bansal (Lenskart), Vineeta Singh (SUGAR Cosmetics), and Namita Thapar. New faces like Azhar Iqubal (Inshorts), Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal), Viraj Bahl (Veeba), and Varun Dua (ACKO) will also join the show, providing an exciting platform for entrepreneurs to pitch their innovative ideas and secure investments.