New Delhi: The Ola Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bhavish Aggarwal in a recent podcast evoked the discussion about the ’70-hour work week’ that Narayan Murthy advised in 2023. Supporting Narayana Murthy’s recommendation, Bhavish said, he is ‘fully in sync’ with the advice. Since then, a debate on work-life balance has sparked among working professionals and in the medical world. According to an expert, a 70-hour workweek can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Constant exhaustion weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness.
In 2023, while speaking on how to boost the Indian economy and productivity, Murthy said that for India to compete with the economies that have made drastic progress in the past two to three decades, young people must work 70 hours a week. This statement, however, received mixed responses from the corporate and startup world.
Amidst the ongoing debate, we need to understand whether our bodies and minds are capable of handling the pressure of such work hours. What does the scientific evidence say?
’70-our Work Week’: Can cause heart disease to chronic stress
Dr Nithin Kumar N, Senior Consultant-Neurology, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru told News9, “Sleep deprivation, a common consequence of excessive work hours, hinders cognitive function, memory, and mood. Chronic stress from work overload can lead to anxiety, depression, and even heart disease.”
According to some studies, researchers have shown that working 55 or more hours each week is linked to a 35 per cent higher risk of having a stroke and a 17 per cent higher risk of death due to heart attack or heart disease. However, people who work for 35 to 40 hours a week are on the safer side.
Scientific evidence of stroke due to extreme work pressure
Studies suggest a link between long work hours and an increased risk of stroke. “Scientific evidence points to a 40-hour workweek as the sweet spot for productivity and well-being. While some professions may demand occasional bursts of extra effort, consistently working 70 hours is simply unsustainable,” said Dr Kumar.
What should be the ideal work hours for an individual?
Research suggests that productivity levels drop sharply after 50 hours each week and drop off a cliff after 55 hours. Moreover, not taking a day off per week may lead to reduce the hourly output levels overall. The study further revealed that extreme work conditions can damage physical health. A 38-hour workweek is considered to the happiest work hours. This is because Denmark consistently one of the world’s happiest countries work on a 38-hour workweek schedule. According to reports, Scandinavian countries enjoy a similar work-life balance and similar kind of happiness rankings.
Amidst the ongoing debate, on the ’70-work hour week’ that was evoked again by Ola Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bhavish Aggarwal in a recent podcast, we need to understand whether our bodies and minds are capable of handling the pressure of such work hours. What does the scientific evidence say? Check here what neurologist suggests Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
