The issue of layoffs and excessive work pressure is increasingly alarming for professionals across various industries. Many companies, including large corporations, frequently let go of employees or compel them to resign, often citing various reasons. In a bid to secure their jobs, many employees push themselves beyond their limits, leading to detrimental effects on their work-life balance and health.
A tragic recent example is the case of Ana Sebastian Perayil, a 26-year-old chartered accountant at EY in Pune, Maharashtra, who reportedly passed away due to work-related stress. Her mother’s letter attributing her daughter’s death to excessive work pressure has ignited a nationwide debate about the working conditions and pressures faced by professionals. In response, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a report highlighting working hours in different countries, fueling the ongoing conversation about the urgent need for healthier work environments and improved employee well-being.
In India, while most offices have fixed working hours—typically between 8 to 10 hours a day—the reality often sees employees working beyond these limits. Although employees may clock in and out at specific times, there is minimal oversight regarding crucial aspects such as the frequency of breaks, the weight of their workload, or the need to work from home or during holidays.
This lack of monitoring contributes to an unhealthy work culture. With many organizations operating with fewer employees, the workload for those who remain tends to increase, pushing them beyond their capacity. This often leads to burnout, disrupted work-life balance, and serious health issues. The challenge lies in the necessity for companies to not only regulate office hours but also manage overall workload to ensure employee well-being.
According to the latest ILO report, Indians work the longest hours among the ten largest economies in the world, with weekly working hours surpassing those of the United States, Japan, China, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. Here’s a breakdown of the average weekly working hours by country:
- India: 46.7 hours
- China: 46.1 hours
- Brazil: 39 hours
- United States: 38 hours
- Japan: 36.6 hours
- Italy: 36.3 hours
- United Kingdom: 35.9 hours
- France: 35.9 hours
- Germany: 34.2 hours
- Canada: 32.1 hours
As the dialogue around workplace pressures continues, it is imperative for organizations to prioritize the health and well-being of their employees.
