Work Culture

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 .

Hard work a personal choice, no one can demand long hours: Narayana Murthy

These are issues one can introspect on, come to a conclusion, and do whatever they want, said Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy about work-life balance

Kharge expresses disagreement with L&T Chairman's 90-hour work week advice

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday expressed disagreement with Larsen & Toubro Chairman S N Subrahmanyan's suggestion of a 90-hour work week and recalled that former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and BR Ambedkar had advocated that workers should not be made to work for more than eight hours in a day. Addressing party leaders after the inauguration of the Congress' new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road here, Kharge lauded the work done by L&T Construction in constructing the new party headquarters. "I would like to thank L&T construction...some dues are also left from our side," Kharge said to peals of laughter. "I would like to thank L&T construction, architects, labourers involved in the construction. While I thank the company, but the company's CEO has made a remark of working 90 hours in a week. I don't agree with that," the Congress chief said. A labourer works for eight hours and gets tired and that is why Nehru and Ambedkar had stated while ...

Who works the most? Countries with the longest weekly hours ranked

L&T chairman's controversial statement has reignited concerns about excessive working hours, their impact on health, and the sustainability of such practices in the modern workplace

L&T chairman asks employees to work 90 hours a week, company backs him

Subrahmanyan's '90-hour workweek' formula is one step ahead of Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's suggestion of working 70-hours a week

Japan's new workforce prioritises work-life balance, decline in 'Karoshi'

Japan's annual working hours have dropped from 1,839 in 2000 to 1,626 by 2022, a decrease of 11.6 per cent, with younger workers driving the trend

South Korea's 'hurry hurry' culture ends Prez Yoon's 'controversial' tenure

Within hours of Yoon's late night announcement on Dec. 3, protesters massed on Seoul's streets and lawmakers were so frantic to block the decree that they climbed over the fence of the legislature

Zepto's 2 am meetings? CEO mocks work-life balance amid Reddit claims

Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha mocks work-life balance amid viral Reddit claim of toxic culture, as he responds to backlash over 2 am meetings and long hours in the tech industry

Indian employees crave recognition and openness at work, says report

Recognition from senior leaders and openness at work are the most important factors in fostering a positive workplace culture, with 63 per cent of employees emphasizing on the value of acknowledgement from leadership, a report said on Thursday. Over 63 per cent of employees interviewed said they value acknowledgement from leadership, indicating that it also plays a key role in boosting morale, said a report by global job site Indeed. The report revealed that 62 per cent of employees said they feel happier when their efforts are appreciated by their team and 58 per cent stressed on the importance of having their opinions and ideas welcomed by their immediate colleagues, it added. These forms of validation and inclusion help build confidence and contribute to a more supportive, collaborative work environment, empowering employees to thrive, the report added. "It's clear that acknowledgement and a safe, open environment are at the heart of a thriving workplace. Employees want to feel