Work-Life Alarm: Ex-WHO Scientist Warns Against 70-90 Hour Workweeks

Amid ongoing discussions about extended workweeks, former WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan has emphasized the importance of recognizing the body's signals and taking necessary breaks. She cautioned that excessive work over long periods can lead to burnout and decreased productivity, underscoring that efficiency is more about work quality than the number of hours logged.

Speaking in an interview with PTI, Swaminathan advised individuals to pay attention to their physical and mental well-being. She acknowledged that short stretches of intense work are feasible but not sustainable over an extended period. "You can push yourself and work extremely hard for a few months—many of us did that during COVID-19. But could we have maintained that level of exertion for years? I don't think so," she said.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals during the pandemic, Swaminathan highlighted the immense strain they endured. "For two to three years, we managed with little sleep and constant stress, especially healthcare workers who worked tirelessly. Some even left the profession due to burnout. Such a pace is only viable for short durations and cannot be maintained indefinitely," she explained.

She further stressed the necessity of rest and mental well-being for long-term effectiveness. "The human body requires sleep, and mentally, taking breaks is essential to remain productive and maintain clarity of thought," she said.

Swaminathan also dismissed the notion that longer working hours translate to greater efficiency. "You can sit at your desk for 12 hours, but after about eight, your output may decline in quality. It is important to assess the value of the work being done rather than just counting hours," she noted.

Her comments are made against the backdrop of suggestions by some industry captains to increase workweeks. This year, Larsen & Toubro Chairman S N Subrahmanyan had mooted the idea of workers putting in 90 hours a week, including Sundays. Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy had also earlier suggested a 70-hour workweek, while former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has recently suggested Indians need to work 80–90 hours a week to realize a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

Despite these suggestions, the government has clarified that there are no plans to extend the maximum working hours. Last month, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje informed Parliament that no such policy changes are under consideration.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)