• Source:JND
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Amid ongoing debate about workweeks spanning 70-90 hours, the Economic Survey presented in Parliament on Friday showed the negative impact of excessive working hours on health. The survey emphasized that working more than 55-60 hours per week can harm one’s physical well-being. 

Citing various studies, the survey also pointed out that spending long hours at a desk, particularly 12 hours or more each day, leads to poor mental health outcomes, with individuals reporting high levels of distress and struggling mental well-being.

“While the hours spent at work are informally considered a measure of productivity, a previous study has documented adverse health effects when hours exceed 55-60 per week," the survey said. 

Citing a study by the Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind, the survey revealed that spending extended periods at a desk can significantly harm mental well-being.

“Spending long hours at one's desk is equally detrimental to mental well-being. Individuals who spend 12 or more hours at a desk have distressed/struggling levels of mental well-being, with a mental well-being score approximately 100 points lower than those who spend less than or equal to two hours at a desk,” the survey said.

“Better lifestyle choices, workplace cultures and family relationships are associated with two to three fewer days lost per month at work,” it added. 

The survey comes at a time when a debate is ongoing over work-life balance, triggered by remarks from leading industrialists. In November, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy courted controversy by stating that he "doesn't believe in work-life balance," sparking heated discussions across industries. 

Soon after, Larsen & Toubro Chairman S N Subrahmanyan added fuel to the fire, suggesting that employees should work 90 hours a week, including Sundays, instead of staying at home. 

These comments from high-profile business leaders have drawn sharp criticism from both employees and peers in the business community, questioning the ethics and fairness of such an extreme work culture.