Fri Jan 31 10:08:02 UTC 2025: ## Economic Survey Warns Against 70-90 Hour Workweeks, Citing Negative Health Impacts
**New Delhi, January 31, 2025** – The pre-Budget Economic Survey 2024-25 released today cautioned against the growing trend of excessively long work hours, citing studies that link working over 60 hours a week to adverse health effects. The report follows recent comments from several prominent business leaders advocating for 70-90 hour workweeks, sparking a national debate.
The Survey highlighted research showing that spending more than 12 hours a day at a desk significantly reduces mental well-being. It cited studies by Pega F, Nafradi B (2021) and the WHO/ILO, which documented negative health consequences when weekly work hours exceed 55-60. The Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind’s research further emphasized the detrimental impact of prolonged desk work on mental health.
The Survey noted that while long hours are often perceived as a measure of productivity, this is a misconception. It stressed that better lifestyle choices, positive workplace cultures, and strong family relationships are crucial for improved well-being and reduced absenteeism. Poor manager relationships and lack of purpose at work were identified as major contributors to lost workdays. Even in ideal work environments, approximately five days per month are lost due to factors beyond workplace culture alone.
The report underscored the significant global economic cost of mental health issues, citing WHO data indicating a $1 trillion annual loss (approximately ₹7,000 per day in Rupees) due to depression and anxiety, resulting from factors like the ‘996’ culture seen in China.
The Survey’s findings directly contradict recent statements by business leaders such as L&T chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, who advocated for 90-hour workweeks. While his comments generated considerable debate, with some executives echoing similar sentiments, others, including RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, criticized the idea, emphasizing the importance of quality of work and work-life balance over sheer hours worked. ITC chairman Sanjiv Puri similarly highlighted employee empowerment over excessive working hours.
The Economic Survey concluded that addressing lifestyle choices, fostering positive work environments, and mitigating the negative impacts of long work hours are crucial for India’s economic growth. Failure to do so risks hindering progress.
First Piper 