NEW DELHI: The ongoing discussion about long work hours in corporate environments has been addressed in the pre-Budget Economic Survey for 2024-25, which strongly advises against exceeding 60 hours of work per week. The survey highlights the negative health consequences associated with extended work hours, citing several studies that link longer workweeks to increased health risks, particularly for mental health.

The survey reveals that individuals who work 12 or more hours a day experience significantly higher levels of stress. While increasing work hours may appear to enhance productivity in the short term, the survey warns that this could lead to burnout, rising healthcare expenses, and a decline in long-term efficiency. Many experts argue that prioritizing work-life balance, improving work conditions, and adopting automation could be more effective in fostering sustainable economic growth.

The report references studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which indicate that working more than 55-60 hours per week can result in physical and mental strain.

The survey also cites research from the Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind, which emphasizes that extended desk time negatively affects mental health. It states, "People who spend 12 or more hours at a desk have significantly lower mental well-being, with a mental health score about 100 points lower than those who sit at a desk for two hours or less."

This survey comes at a time when business leaders are pushing for 70- to 90-hour workweeks. For example, Larsen & Toubro Chairman S N Subrahmanyan proposed a 90-hour workweek, including Sundays, which faced backlash from other industry figures who stressed the importance of work-life balance and mental health. Subrahmanyan’s comments echoed those of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, whose statement that young Indians should work 70 hours a week sparked a massive debate.

The Survey also highlights the importance of adopting healthier lifestyle choices and improving family relationships to support better productivity and mental health. It notes that even in workplaces with good management, employees lose an average of five days per month due to stress-related issues.