The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented in Parliament on Friday, has raised concerns about the health risks associated with long working hours. It warned that spending more than 55-60 hours a week working could have negative consequences for both physical and mental health. The report pointed to studies showing that spending extended hours at a desk can be harmful to one’s mental well-being, noting that individuals who work 12 or more hours a day at a desk report struggling with their mental health.

While long work hours are often seen as a measure of productivity, the survey referred to studies that document the adverse health effects when work hours exceed 55-60 hours per week. These findings were supported by research from experts like Pega F and Nafradi B (2021) and analyses by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the impact of overwork.

According to the survey, data from the Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind indicated that spending too much time at a desk has a severe impact on mental well-being. Individuals who spend 12 or more hours a day working at a desk have mental health scores that are approximately 100 points lower than those who spend only two hours or less at their desk.

The survey also highlighted that healthier lifestyle choices, supportive workplace cultures, and strong family relationships were linked to fewer lost workdays. It suggested that individuals who have a more balanced life and positive work environments tend to miss fewer days from work, pointing out that emotional well-being is a significant factor in productivity.

This report comes amid an ongoing debate, sparked by statements from prominent business figures like Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who publicly stated he did not believe in work-life balance, and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, who advocated for a 90-hour work week, even including Sundays. These remarks have drawn widespread criticism from other business leaders and experts, including RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, who argued that longer work hours lead to burnout rather than success, and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, who emphasized the importance of focusing on the quality of work rather than the time spent working.

In response, the Economic Survey underscored the importance of creating a positive work culture, where good relationships with managers and a supportive work environment are essential for maintaining mental health and productivity. It also pointed out that better work-life balance, healthier lifestyles, and strong family bonds could reduce the number of days people miss due to illness.

The survey also referenced a study by the Sapien Labs Centre, which found that people working long hours at a desk are more likely to experience mental distress. Those working more than 12 hours daily reported significantly worse mental health than those working just a few hours. The report also examined how different work setups, like remote or hybrid work, impact mental well-being, noting that remote workers had slightly lower mental health scores compared to those working in-person.

The Economic Survey further emphasized the role of unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as poor eating habits and lack of exercise, in contributing to mental distress. It encouraged individuals to focus on improving their overall well-being to prevent burnout and sustain productivity.

The key message from the survey was clear: while workplace culture, family support, and lifestyle choices play a significant role in mental health, excessive working hours are not a sign of productivity and can, in fact, hinder both individual health and economic growth. The report emphasized that if India is to achieve its economic goals, it needs to prioritize healthier lifestyles, starting from childhood and adolescence, to ensure long-term productivity and well-being.

This debate over working hours was also reflected in comments by Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who has advocated for tough work schedules. However, the Economic Survey warns that pushing long hours without regard for employee health ultimately undermines the broader economy and societal well-being.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)