Mon Jan 20 03:02:30 UTC 2025: ## BharatPe CEO Rejects 90-Hour Workweek Trend, Prioritizes Quality Over Quantity

**NEW DELHI** – Amidst a heated debate sparked by L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s suggestion of a 90-hour workweek, BharatPe CEO Nalin Negi has firmly rejected the idea, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in employee productivity. Negi’s statement contrasts sharply with recent comments from several prominent business leaders.

Negi told PTI that BharatPe does not mandate such extreme work hours, stating that “90 hours is quite a number of hours to put in, and becomes very difficult. So I would say (it is about) quality… quality matters.” He highlighted the importance of a healthy work-life balance and creating an employee-friendly environment at the six-year-old fintech firm. “We are looking to build a culture that is not rigid,” he said, adding that the company aims to offer “careers, not just jobs.”

Negi’s comments follow a social media uproar ignited earlier this month by Subrahmanyan’s proposal. The suggestion was met with widespread criticism, with several prominent business figures, including RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka and Marico Ltd Chairman Harsh Mariwala, publicly expressing concerns about burnout and the importance of work-life balance. Goenka tweeted his belief that “work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential,” while Mariwala stressed the significance of “quality and passion” over hours worked. ITC Ltd Chairman Sanjiv Puri echoed this sentiment, prioritizing employee empowerment over long hours.

The debate over ideal work hours has resurfaced frequently, with past comments from figures like Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy (suggesting 70-hour workweeks) and Tesla CEO Elon Musk (advocating for long hours) adding fuel to the fire. However, the recent controversy has renewed the focus on employee well-being and the potential negative consequences of an excessive work culture. Negi’s statement represents a significant counterpoint to the prevailing narrative, advocating for a more balanced and employee-centric approach.

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