Overworking? Economic survey warns of serious health risks

The latest Economic Survey, released ahead of the Union Budget, has cited multiple studies warning about the adverse health effects of working more than 60 hours a week. This report comes amid a heated debate sparked by Larsen & Toubro Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director S.N. Subrahmanyan, who recently suggested that employees should work up to 90 hours a week, including Sundays, instead of staying at home.

Subrahmanyan’s comments referenced Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s earlier proposal of a 70-hour workweek and Gautam Adani’s controversial remark that spending more than eight hours at home could result in a failing marriage. These statements ignited a broader discussion about work-life balance and productivity.

Key findings from economic survey

According to a report by PTI, the Economic Survey highlights that prolonged desk work has a detrimental impact on mental health. Individuals spending 12 or more hours at their desks daily exhibit significant psychological distress. The survey references studies such as Pegas & Nafradi (2021) and the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates, which document that working beyond 55-60 hours per week negatively affects health.

A study conducted by the Sapien Labs Center for Human Brain and Mind found that individuals who spend over 12 hours at their desks have mental health scores nearly 100 points lower than those who sit for two hours or less. The survey also notes that poor workplace culture and strained managerial relationships significantly contribute to lost workdays.

The impact on productivity

Citing WHO data, the Economic Survey reports that depression and anxiety lead to a global loss of approximately 12 billion workdays annually, equating to a financial loss of $1 trillion. In the Indian context, this translates to nearly ₹7,000 per day per employee.

Chief Economic Advisor Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran emphasized the need for flexibility in work-hour regulations. He pointed out that while most countries allow businesses to manage employee work hours over a span of three to six months, India’s rigid weekly limits do not offer such adaptability.