India has ranked second in the world for extended working hours per week, according to a report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). According to the data, nearly 51 per cent of the country’s workforce works for around 49 hours weekly.
After the shocking death of a 26-year-old EY employee due to workload, the ILO report represents a larger picture of toxic work culture in India.
Bhutan, with an overwhelming 61 per cent of its working population contributing more than 49-hours weekly, has topped the ranking.
On the other side of the scale, the Netherlands and Norway with nearly 31.6 and 33.7 working hours per week, reflects a more sustainable work environment.
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Why is the report an early alarm for India?
According to an Ernst & Young (EY) report, India will have 1.04 billion working-age persons by 2030, and the country is eyeing a demographic dividend. Additionally, the share of India’s working age population to total population will reach its highest level at 68.9 per cent by 2030.
Hence, the focus of the government and the fast-expanding private sector is more on making gains from its working population and less on the quality of labour. Promotion of hustle culture and labeling of ‘work-life balance’ as a myth, has become the new mantra for personal as well as the success of the nation.
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However, with more focus on numbers and less on quality, the condition of labour in the country is questionable. Recently, the death of a 26-year-old EY employee due to anxiety driven by workload and long working hours has sparked the discussion on toxic corporate work culture.
In a letter written by the mother of the deceased employee to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani said, “the workload, new environment, and long hours took a toll on her physically, emotionally, and mentally. The 26-year-old employee experienced anxiety, sleeplessness, and stress soon after the joining the audit firm.”
Her letter surfaced on social media and has resulted in netizens sharing about their experiences of toxic work environment taking a toll on their physical and mental well-being.
It has revived the old debate that garnered attention when Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy advised the youngsters to work for “70-hour”. While speaking to India Today last year, Murthy said, “India’s work culture needs to change and that youngsters should be prepared to work for 70 hours a week.”
