Tech workers in Karnataka are expressing their discontent, following the state government’s proposal to implement a 14-hour workday. This proposal, dubbed by some as the “biggest ever attack on the working class in this era,” has ignited a debate about the impact of extended working hours on individual well-being and productivity. The proposed amendment to the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishment Act aims to enable employees to work for 14 hours daily, potentially reaching 70 hours per week for a five-day workweek. The Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union (KITU) has voiced strong opposition to this change, citing its potential impact on Bengaluru, India’s IT hub. They argue that the proposal constitutes an “attack on the basic right of any worker to have a personal life.” This sentiment is further bolstered by the growing global acceptance of the “right to disconnect,” as research increasingly demonstrates the negative correlation between extended working hours and productivity. The proposal’s emergence follows Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s suggestion last year that India’s youth should be prepared to work for 70 hours a week, a statement that sparked controversy.
The debate over the ideal working hours has resurfaced with the Karnataka government’s proposal. While some CEOs and employees advocate for longer hours as a means of boosting productivity, scientific research contradicts this view. Studies have revealed that the optimal daily working time is 7.6 hours, amounting to 38 hours per week. Further research indicates that the human attention span for concentrated work is approximately five hours, suggesting a potential for a 25-hour working week. Notably, this research found that a five-hour workday led to a 50% increase in productivity as employees focused on maximizing output during their limited work hours. In contrast, India’s current average working hours stand at eight per day, equating to a 40-hour workweek. This figure pales in comparison to other countries, such as the United States with 38 hours, China with 46.1 hours, Japan with 36.6 hours, and Canada with 32.1 hours, as per recent statistics from the International Labour Organisation.
The call for extended working hours also clashes with scientific understanding of the physical and mental toll on individuals. Numerous organizations and independent researchers have meticulously examined the effects of exceeding the standard 40-hour workweek, revealing alarming consequences. Working beyond 40 hours often translates to prolonged periods of sitting, increasing the risk of obesity and other health issues. Extended sedentary periods contribute to varicose veins, muscle stiffness, fatigue, and poor posture. Dr Padmini Narahari, a general physician specializing in industrial health, warns that a 70-hour workweek will inevitably impact posture, especially in the IT sector where employees spend extended hours glued to their screens. Young individuals may develop spondylitis and experience back, neck, and shoulder pain, ultimately impacting productivity. Prolonged computer use can also strain eyesight, leading to blurred vision, headaches, and eye dryness. Furthermore, extended screen time can exacerbate stress and anxiety.
The consequences of excessive work extend beyond physical health, as studies show a significant link between extended working hours and cardiovascular issues. Working more than 10 hours a day increases the risk of cardiovascular problems by 60%. Physicians also highlight the connection between overwork and an elevated risk of stroke, ischemic heart disease, overweight, pre-diabetes, depression, and other serious health conditions. Research also demonstrates a correlation between working more than 40 hours per week and an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist, emphasizes the serious health implications of long working hours, citing multiple scientific studies. He notes that working 55 hours or more per week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of death from ischemic heart disease compared to working 35-40 hours. He further underscores the devastating impact of overwork, stating that exceeding 55 hours per week contributes to over 800,000 deaths annually.
The negative effects of extended working hours extend beyond physical health, significantly impacting mental well-being. Research indicates that long working hours, exceeding 40 hours per week, can double the risk of depression. A Gallup poll surveying nearly 240,000 full-time workers found that 10.8% of US full-time workers have received a depression diagnosis. Dr Rachel Jayaseelan, a mental health trainer for corporates, highlights the detrimental effects of a 70-hour workweek on long-term health, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance for managing relationships, health, and financial planning. Extended working hours can also contribute to burnout, diminished job satisfaction, and strain on work-life equilibrium. Dr Honey Savla, an internal medicine consultant, notes that consistently working over 70 hours per week can lead to anxiety, frustration, and a tendency to seek solace in food, alcohol, or other substances. If these feelings of frustration persist, they can escalate to violence, creating a hazardous work environment. Mental health experts observe a rising trend of young professionals (25-48 years old) seeking help for stress, anxiety, and mental health issues. These individuals often struggle with anxiety and lack coping mechanisms for stress. Common mental health disorders identified in this demographic include GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), illness anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobias. Extended working hours contribute to pressure, impacting work quality and increasing absenteeism, posing challenges for both employees and organizations. The absence of work-life balance and inadequate support systems exacerbate stress levels, further contributing to the rise in health concerns. This situation negatively impacts family and social life.
Despite the overwhelming evidence from scientific research, the debate regarding optimal working hours persists. The current debate highlights the critical need for a balanced approach that prioritizes employee well-being while fostering a productive work environment. The notion of a five-hour workday, as suggested in research findings, offers a compelling perspective for consideration.
