What Ratan Tata Thought of Work-Life Balance in His Own Words
Ratan Tata was not just India’s most celebrated industrialist, but also a compassionate leader who inspired his employees and reformed workplace policies to encourage their wellbeing. Outlook Business presents a selection of quotes that highlights the icon’s dedication to employee welfare and ethical business practices
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On work-life balance
"I don’t believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration. Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling and they will complement each other. "
Source: The Times of India
On principled leadership
"I would hope that most of you will in fact strive for leadership in a principled manner with values, because that would be the foundation that this country needs to have if it is to take its place in the world."
Source: Addressing ISB students at their graduation
Ratan Tata (from the archives)
On taking risks
"How many times have you heard people say, this can’t be done? It’s your job to remove those myths and to get things done."
Source: Addressing students at the 3rd Yuva Summit, BVB College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli
On the role of CSR
"I think there has to be a sensitivity to doing something in the communities around which you operate and in making an effort to raise the quality of life."
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Source: Ted Talk, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad
Ratan Tata (from the archives)
On the youth of the country
I have always enjoyed the company of spirited and enthusiastic youth of the country. Their energy is truly infectious, and they make me feel like I haven’t aged at all."
Source: The Times of India
On empathy for employees
"One cannot continue to do business in certain ways, and one won’t survive if you are not sensitive to all your stakeholders...Laying-off people will not help you solve your problems as you have responsibility to those employees"
Source: Mint
Ratan Tata (from the archives)
On layoffs during pandemic
"These are the people that have worked for you, these are the people who have served you all their careers so you send them out to live in the rain? Is that your definition of ethics when you treat your labour force that way?"
Source: Business Today
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On being answerable to employees
"As a business leader, you have to face your shareholders. And then, there are the people who have to deliver the goods and work for you, you need to be there for them as well."
Source: The Times of India
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