Calls 60-hr-plus work week harmful for mental well-being
The Economic Survey waded into the work-hour debate and emphasised that a work week exceeding 60 hours could undermine health.
Individuals who spent 12 or more hours per day at desk had distressed or struggling levels of mental well-being, said the survey at a time when top corporate leaders, including Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, were asking the youth to work 70 hours a week to improve the country’s productivity.
Likewise, SN Subrahmanyan, chairman of Larsen & Toubro, had recently invited wrath for asking his employees, “How long can you stare at your wife?” He was stressing longer work hours and no off even on Sundays. The survey suggested a sustainable work schedule, citing a study that had documented adverse health eff-ects when hours exceeded 55-60 per week.
