People must pay close attention to their bodies and recognize the signs of fatigue, as prolonged overwork can lead to burnout, decreased efficiency, and long-term health consequences, former Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO) and advisor to the Union Health Ministry, Soumya Swaminathan, has advised. She emphasized the importance of balancing work with adequate rest to maintain both physical and mental well-being.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Swaminathan highlighted that while working intensely for short periods is feasible—particularly in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic—this approach is not sustainable in the long run. She noted that the quality of work produced is far more important than the sheer number of hours spent at the workplace.
When asked about the potential health risks associated with long working hours, Swaminathan, who previously served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), shared her observations on the subject.
“I have observed many individuals who work extremely hard, dedicating long hours to their jobs. However, I believe this is a highly individual matter, as each person must listen to their body’s signals. Your body tells you when you are fatigued, and it is crucial to acknowledge that and take necessary breaks.
It is possible to push oneself to work intensely for a limited period—perhaps for a few months. During the COVID-19 crisis, many of us, especially healthcare workers, functioned under extreme pressure. We endured sleepless nights, constant stress, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. But could we have continued at that pace indefinitely, year after year? I do not think so.”
She went on to describe the challenges faced by frontline workers during the pandemic.
“For nearly two to three years, we worked under immense strain, often going without proper rest. We were constantly preoccupied with concerns about public health, disease management, and ensuring the safety of our patients. Healthcare professionals, in particular, worked tirelessly around the clock. As a result, many experienced severe burnout. Some even made the difficult decision to leave the medical profession altogether. While intense work can be sustained for brief periods, it is not a viable long-term strategy.”
Swaminathan, a globally respected health expert, reiterated the importance of maintaining mental and emotional well-being to achieve sustained productivity.
“The human body has fundamental requirements, including sufficient sleep. Additionally, mental rejuvenation is crucial. If you wish to remain productive and ensure that your thought process remains sharp, periodic rest is essential.
It is not just about the total number of hours spent working; the true measure of efficiency lies in the quality of work achieved during that time. You may sit at your desk for 12 hours straight, but after eight hours, your ability to produce high-quality work may diminish. Therefore, we need to take all these factors into consideration when discussing work schedules and expectations.”
Swaminathan’s insights come in the wake of recent debates surrounding work hours in India, sparked by comments from prominent corporate leaders. Earlier this year, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S. N. Subrahmanyan stirred controversy by advocating for a 90-hour workweek, suggesting that employees should work even on Sundays instead of spending time at home. His remarks echoed those of Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy, who previously recommended a 70-hour workweek to boost productivity.
Adding to the discourse, former Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant recently weighed in on the subject. Speaking at Business Standard’s Manthan summit, Kant emphasized that hard work is essential if India hopes to achieve the ambitious target of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047.
“I strongly believe in the power of hard work. Indians must be willing to put in the effort—whether it be 80 hours or even 90 hours a week—if we are serious about transforming our economy from its current USD 4 trillion to USD 30 trillion. This level of growth cannot be achieved through leisure or entertainment. Success will come only through unwavering dedication and effort.”
Despite these assertions from industry leaders, the government has made it clear that there are no plans to extend official working hours to such extreme levels. Last month, Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, addressed the issue in Parliament, stating that the government has not considered any proposal to increase the maximum working hours to 70 or 90 hours per week.
Swaminathan’s statements serve as a crucial reminder that productivity and efficiency stem from a balanced approach to work, rather than sheer exhaustion from excessively long hours. She underscored the need for individuals to recognize their personal limits, prioritize their well-being, and embrace sustainable work habits to ensure long-term success and health.
