Work Culture

Takaichi's 'work, work, work' pledge named Japan's catchphrase of the year

The pledge by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to work, work, work, work and work for her country has been named the catchphrase of the year, recognising the effort Japan's first female leader had to make to reach the top. The ultraconservative Takaichi uttered the phase in October when she was elected as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Many were initially as worried about her work ethic as supportive of her enthusiasm. In a country notorious for long working hours, especially for working women who are also burdened with homemaking and caregiving, overwork is a sensitive topic. The recognition triggered a mixed reaction, with some interpreting it as satire. Accepting her award from a private committee this week, Takaichi said she only wanted to stress her enthusiasm. I have no intention of encouraging other people to overwork, or suggesting long working hours as a virtue, Takaichi said. I hope there is no misunderstanding. Takaichi, within weeks of taking office

Do new labour codes support 72-hour work week idea? Here's the truth

The 72-hour work week has been a topic of debate. Some industry leaders support the idea, while many young professionals strongly oppose it. Do new labour codes support it?

What is China's '996' work culture that Narayana Murthy is advocating?

During a recent interview, Naryana Murthy defended his earlier 72-hour work week remark, asking people to 'get a life first and then worry about work-life balance'

Pressure and burnout shadow Xiaomi's rapid pivot from smartphones to EVs

In April, Chinese media reported that Xiaomi was requiring employees to work at least 11.5 hours a day, and those who worked less than eight hours were told to submit a formal explanation

India among world's busiest nations, strives for work-life balance

People with advanced education qualifications have more workload on them

'Would you work 996?' Hustle culture trend gains ground in Silicon Valley

The number combination refers to a work schedule - 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week - that has its origins in China's hard-charging tech scene

When romance meets the rulebook: How cos deal with workplace relationships

Several Indian companies have similar safeguards in place, though few were forthcoming about their policies when contacted

Indian boss abroad asks staff to log off at 7 pm; internet users react

An employee shared how his Indian boss in a foreign firm asks him to log off at 7 pm, sparking debates on work culture, remote work, and work-life balance in India

12-hour work shift in IT? Karnataka govt faces backlash over proposal

Employee unions have strongly opposed the extension of hours to 12 from 10, meanwhile, the internet has been flooded with memes on Narayan Murthy

No more 70-hour work weeks? China clamps down on 996 overtime culture

Amid mounting public backlash, court rulings, and employee fatigue, Chinese companies are slowly dismantling the once-glorified 996 culture in favour of legal work limits

After techie's death, police summon Ola Krutrim manager in probe

Nikhil Somwanshi, a recent IISc graduate who joined Krutrim less than a year ago, allegedly died by suicide on 8 May amid reports of high-pressure work environment

Use of Infotech, QRs, anonymous feedback to improve work efficiency: GARC

In a bid to improve work efficiency, the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission has suggested initiatives like gathering anonymous feedback from state employees on issues in offices and using info-tech idea boxes and QR codes to collect information. The GARC has submitted its report to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel within a month of its formation. "The commission aims to introduce key reforms in the state's administrative framework, enhance operational processes, optimise utilisation of human resources, and improve government efficiency through innovative technology integration," as per an official release. The commission has also issued guidelines to enhance the efficiency of government meetings and make them more result-oriented. CM Patel announced the formation of GARC in Budget 2025-26, chaired by Hasmukh Adhia, the Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister. "The suggestions also cover gathering anonymous feedback from employees and officers regarding existing administrative

'Listen to your body': Ex-WHO scientist Swaminathan on long workweeks

People should listen to their bodies and recognise when they need rest as prolonged overwork can lead to burnout and reduced efficiency, former WHO chief scientist and health ministry advisor Soumya Swaminathan has said. While intense work for short periods is possible, as seen during COVID-19, it is not sustainable in the long run, she told PTI in an interview. Swaminathan stressed that productivity depends more on work quality than hours spent. Asked about the impact of long working hours on human health, the former director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) told PTI: "I know a lot of people who work very hard. So, I think it is an individual thing and your body tells you when you are tired, so then you also have to listen to your body. You can really work hard, let's say for a few months. During COVID, we all did that, right? But could we have continued that for years together? I am not sure." "For those two-three years, we did it. We did not sleep much. W

'Workers, not robots': Akhilesh Yadav rejects 90-hour workweek idea

Akhilesh Yadav has blasted the 90-hour workweek push, saying workers are not robots and questioning whether economic progress truly benefits the common people

'8-8-8' rule is utopian; harmony needed between work and life: Neerja Birla

The '8-8-8' rule of equally splitting time between work, sleep and leisure for eight hours on each in a day is "utopian" and is next to impossible to practice, philanthropist Neerja Birla has said. Birla, the wife of billionaire Kumar Mangalam Birla and also a mental health champion, has advocated that we need to focus on harmonising work and life in a balanced way. "...getting the work-life balance, exact 8-8-8 hours, is next to impossible. So, that is a utopian concept. But how we bring about harmony in that (is important)," Birla told PTI Videos in an interview on Wednesday. The remarks came amid a raging debate triggered by comments from a few C-suite executives or founders, calling employees to put in up to 90 hours of work per week and prioritise work over family commitments on weekends. Some executives have spoken in support of shorter work-days while others are pushing to gauge it by the output rather than hours put in. "...what we really need to work on is having harmony i

Outcome, not work hours, matters: India Inc leaders on productivity

"If you really love your work and are good at it, it does not matter what is work and life"

Booze breaks & hangover leave: Japan's IT firm is redefining work culture

Trust Ring Co, an Osaka-based IT company, believes that a little fun can go a long way in keeping employees happy

Remote work can empower businesses and women: Andhra CM Naidu's WFH push

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Naidu looks to expand WFH opportunities to encourage greater workforce participation, calling it integral to modern employment structures

In defence of Murthy & Subrahmanyan: Valuing entrepreneurs and job creators

It's easy to beat up on the corporations. But a society that does not give its entrepreneurs, wealth & jobs creators love and respect, is doomed to be frozen in a low-middle-income status

78% of Indian employees prioritise family over work, reveals report

Amid debate over striking a work-life balance and L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan recommending a 90-hour work week, a report has revealed that 78 per cent of employees interviewed said their aim is to prioritise family.. According to global job site Indeed's 'Future Career Resolution report there is a significant shift in the priorities of Indian employees, with nearly four in five (78 per cent) stating they aim to prioritise family time with spouses, children and parents over career advancement in 2025. Employees want less stress and more focus on mental well-being while being in well-paid jobs that they enjoy and offer flexibility for family and personal interests, it added. "We're definitely seeing a shift in what matters to Indian workers. More and more, people are telling us they want to find a better balance between work and home life. While earning more is important, the dream career for most isn't about moving up the ladder - it's about feeling secure, being paid fairly, and .