That’s a Load of Bull and Here’s Why
Let’s address one of the most dangerous myths still floating around the business world! The idea that the more hours you put in, the more success you’ll achieve. This overtime work mindset is still pushed by some of the most respected figures in business. It has led countless entrepreneurs and employees to buy into a toxic culture of overwork. And two such figures, Subrahmanyan of L&T and Murthy of Infosys, have openly championed this idea with a 90-hour work week. But here’s the catch.
The Reality: More Hours Don’t Equal More Success
Subrahmanyan, and Murthy, argue that companies in China and Japan thrive because their work culture values long hours. They advise India needs to adopt the same mentality. But here’s the truth: longer hours don’t equate to better results—they just lead to exhaustion, mistakes, and burnout.
Let’s give credit where credit is due—Subrahmanyan and Murthy built empires that have transformed the business landscape. L&T and Infosys didn’t become giants by sitting back and relaxing. They required dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of success. However, the issue arises when the idea of working longer hours is glorified as the solution to all business problems.
When you push employees to work overtime (long hours) , you’re not maximizing productivity, you’re draining it.
What does Research and Studies say about Overtime work?
Diminishing Returns: Studies consistently show that productivity significantly drops after working more than 40 hours a week. A Harvard Business Review study found that employees working 55+ hours a week were much less productive than those working 40 hours or fewer.
Quality vs. Quantity: Gallup’s report shows that excessive hours (especially over 60 hours a week) result in lower-quality work, more mistakes, and deteriorating decision-making, creativity, and efficiency.
Health and Productivity: The World Health Organization (WHO) links long working hours to burnout, anxiety, and even heart disease. A study by WHO and ILO(International Labour Organization) revealed that long work hours are responsible for nearly 750,000 deaths globally each year due to stroke and heart disease.
Employee Engagement: Deloitte’s survey indicates that employees who have better work-life balance are more engaged, loyal, and productive. Conversely, companies promoting overwork face higher turnover and lower morale.
The Tragic Cost of Overwork: The Case of EY Employee Anna
The dangers of overwork are not just theoretical—they have real-life consequences. Anna, a young employee at Ernst & Young, tragically passed away due to excessive work hours with little rest. This heartbreaking incident highlights the human cost of the overwork mentality. It’s a stark reminder that prioritizing hours over health is a dangerous path, both for the individual and the business.
The European Approach to Work Culture
- Flexible Working Hours
- Focus on Results, Not Hours Worked : Prioritize outcomes over time spent in the office, fostering autonomy and trust.
- Four-Day Workweek : Trials show that reduced hours increase happiness, reduce stress, and maintain productivity.
- Generous Vacation Policies : Paid time off enhances employee well-being and returns workers refreshed and more productive.
- Paid Parental Leave : Generous leave policies support work-life balance and foster loyalty.
- Mental Health Support : Prioritizing mental health improves employee engagement and reduces absenteeism.
- Sabbaticals for Personal Growth : Extended leave for personal development boosts creativity and innovation.
- Clear Boundaries Between Work and Personal Life : Feierabend culture encourages disengagement after hours to prevent burnout and maintain work passion.
By prioritizing rest and recovery, Europe has found that businesses can thrive while fostering a supportive and productive work environment.
Advice: Don’t Fall Into the Trap.
This myth of “more work equals more achievement” is dangerous. The reality is that it’s not the number of hours worked that counts—it’s the quality of the work done in those hours. The pressure to overwork may seem like the path to success, but it’s a shortcut to burnout, poor health, and a lack of real innovation. So, here’s the advice: don’t fall into this trap.
If you’re leading a business, take a step back and think about sustainability, both for yourself and for your employees. Work smarter, not longer. Promote balance, encourage rest, and focus on efficiency and creativity. And if you’re an employee—don’t buy into the hustle culture. Your mental and physical health matter more than any overtime. Because no business success is worth the cost of your well-being.
A sustainable work environment, where rest and recovery are valued, will lead to happier and healthier employees. Also foster greater innovation, collaboration, and business growth.
Let’s leave this myth behind, for good.
