Balancing Work and Wellness in India’s Changing Work Culture

Imagine walking a tightrope stretched between two towering skyscrapers—the path ahead uncertain but full of promise. On one side lies India’s ambitious drive for economic growth, fuelled by evolving labour policies and the promise of greater productivity. On the other side rests the vital foundation of employee health, wellness, and sustainable work-life balance.

In India today, extended work hours are not yet fully widespread but are gaining serious attention, with proposals for 12-hour shifts in Bangalore and a 10-hour workday under consideration in Mumbai, alongside similar reforms in other states. These discussions signal a significant shift in the country’s economic and labour landscape.

The challenge before us is clear: how do organizations and individuals find equilibrium on this tightrope? How can India harness the benefits of longer workdays without compromising the health and resilience of its workforce?

Key Data on Work Hours and Health

• Approximately 51% of Indian workers exceed 49 working hours per week, surpassing the ILO recommendation of 48 hours.

• The WHO and ILO jointly estimate that long working hours contribute to 745,000 deaths yearly worldwide, mainly from heart disease and stroke, highlighting a critical health concern.

• The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights that working more than 55-60 hours per week negatively impacts mental and physical health, and individuals spending 12+ hours at desks show significantly poorer mental well-being scores.

• Stress and burnout are rising concerns, with surveys showing over half of employees experience burnout linked to poor work-life balance, which impacts productivity and employee retention.

Implications for Businesses

While extended hours can offer operational flexibility and economic gains, the potential impacts include:

• Increased absenteeism and higher attrition rates due to fatigue and dissatisfaction.

• Declines in employee engagement, creativity, and overall output quality.

• Elevated risks of lifestyle-related ailments, including mental health disorders, musculoskeletal issues, and cardiovascular diseases.

Extended work hours impact India’s key industries in varied ways, underscoring distinct work patterns and wellness challenges across sectors like IT, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.

This sector-wise variation in work demands and wellness challenges highlights that any extended work hour policy or wellness program must be carefully tailored to context. While longer shifts may offer operational benefits, the overarching objective should always be minimizing fatigue, protecting health, and sustaining productivity through evidence-based wellbeing strategies.

Pathways for Balanced, Sustainable Wellness Practices

To support employees during extended work hours, businesses can implement focused wellness initiatives including:

• Wellness Sessions & Coaching: Lifestyle management programs to empower healthy habits and stress resilience.

• Mental Health Support: Accessible counselling and stress reduction workshops to nurture psychological well-being.

• Ergonomic Safety: Workplace assessments and training to prevent musculoskeletal strain and promote physical comfort.

• Fatigue Management: Strategies to monitor and reduce employee fatigue for sustained energy and focus.

• Stress Reduction Programs: Mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and resilience building to reduce workplace stress.

By embracing thoughtful wellness practices and policies today, businesses can ensure that growth is not just achieved—but is sustainable, inclusive, and empowering for every member of the workforce. Together, let’s build a future where work and wellness coexist in harmony, unlocking the full potential of India’s talent and spirit.

Ready to Foster a Healthier, More Resilient Workforce?

Partner with MyHealthmeter to implement strategic, personalized wellness programs that support sustained well-being and drive measurable business outcomes. Together, we can build work environments where employees thrive—physically, mentally, and professionally.

Connect with us today to learn more:

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