Wed Sep 25 08:22:35 UTC 2024: ## Corporate Employees Clocking in More Hours: Survey Highlights Stressful Work Culture

**New Delhi:** A recent government survey has revealed a significant disparity in working hours between salaried employees and their casual and self-employed counterparts, raising concerns about workplace culture and employee well-being.

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July 2023 to June 2024 found that regular wage earners averaged 48.2 hours of work per week, compared to just under 40 hours for casual labourers and the self-employed.

This stark difference highlights the intense corporate culture faced by salaried employees, characterized by demanding deadlines, high expectations, and a relentless push for productivity. The average corporate worker puts in around nine hours a day over a five-day workweek, or eight hours over a six-day week.

While some HR experts argue that these hours are not excessive in themselves, others emphasize the impact of the overall work environment on employee stress levels. The constant pressure and fast-paced nature of modern workplaces are leading to widespread burnout among salaried employees.

Casual workers and the self-employed, while working fewer hours, face different forms of stress including income instability and unpredictable schedules. Although self-employed individuals enjoy greater flexibility, their earnings are often dependent on market demand and lack a steady paycheck.

The urgent need for dialogue on work hours and employee health has been underscored by the tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old Ernst & Young employee in Pune, which has been linked to extreme work-related stress. The incident has sparked a nationwide debate about the impact of long hours and high-pressure environments on employee well-being, prompting a government investigation into workplace culture and its effects on health.

Read More