Thu Jan 23 10:33:03 UTC 2025: **Serum Institute CEO Advocates for Work-Life Balance Amidst Industry Debate**
Davos, Switzerland – Amidst a national conversation sparked by comments from other industry leaders regarding excessive work hours, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, emphasized the importance of work-life balance. In an exclusive interview with NDTV at the Davos 2025 summit, Poonawalla stated that productivity plateaus beyond a certain number of hours and that employees need time to unwind and recharge.
Poonawalla, while acknowledging the demanding nature of his own work during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighted that such intense work schedules are unsustainable. He contrasted his own experiences with the standard eight-hour shifts employed at the Serum Institute, utilizing multiple shifts to maintain operations.
His comments come in response to recent controversy surrounding remarks made by Larsen & Toubro chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, who advocated for a 90-hour workweek. Subrahmanyan’s comments ignited a social media backlash, with many criticizing the suggestion as exploitative, particularly for low-wage employees. Similar sentiments were expressed regarding previous comments from Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy who had previously suggested a 70-hour workweek, although he later clarified that such hours shouldn’t be imposed.
Poonawalla clarified that while hard work is essential, the statements made by other industry leaders were intended lightheartedly. He emphasized the need for a balance between professional and personal life, reiterating his belief that quality of work is far more important than quantity. Poonawalla’s stance offers a counterpoint to the recent debate, advocating for a more sustainable and balanced approach to work culture in India.
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