In the midst of India’s ongoing debate over the future of work culture, Harsh Goenka, the Chairperson of RPG Enterprises, has proposed that India look to Denmark as a model for work-life balance and employee well-being. This suggestion comes as the country grapples with discussions around the idea of a 90-hour work week, particularly sparked by figures like L&T Chairperson SN Subrahmanyan, who controversially advocated for such long hours.
Goenka’s pitch for a shift in India’s work culture aligns with an increasing global awareness of the importance of mental health, productivity, and overall life satisfaction in relation to work. According to him, Denmark’s work environment, with its focus on flexible hours, generous vacation policies, and prioritization of employee well-being, provides valuable lessons for India to implement in order to address growing concerns about burnout, stress, and the quality of life.
Denmark’s Approach: Trust and Empowerment at the Workplace
One of the core principles that Goenka advocates for is the high level of trust that Danish employers place in their employees. Unlike the prevailing trend in many Indian businesses, where micromanagement is often seen as a necessary tool for ensuring productivity, Denmark’s work model promotes a culture of self-reliance. Employees are trusted to manage their own work schedules and to produce high-quality work without being constantly supervised. Goenka argues that this level of trust not only boosts employee morale but also encourages innovation and creativity, as individuals feel more ownership and autonomy over their roles.
Another striking feature of Denmark’s work culture is the significant focus placed on work-life balance. Danish employees enjoy a minimum of five weeks of paid vacation annually, in addition to generous parental leave policies. These policies reflect a societal acknowledgment that personal well-being and family life are critical to professional success. Goenka highlights this as a stark contrast to the Indian work culture, where the notion of long hours is often glorified, and employees frequently struggle to find time for personal pursuits or family obligations.
Moreover, Denmark’s flexible working hours provide employees with the ability to design their workdays in a way that suits their personal lives. This not only helps reduce stress but also leads to increased productivity. For example, many Danish workers are able to take time off during the day for personal errands or family activities, and can make up for this time later in the evening or on weekends, without the pressure of strict schedules.
Denmark’s Approach to Parental Leave and Mental Health
A unique aspect of Denmark’s work culture is the six months of parental leave that new parents are entitled to, which is rare in many parts of the world, including India. This policy ensures that parents—especially mothers—have the necessary time to care for their newborns without the fear of losing their jobs or income. It also allows for a smoother transition back into the workforce, as employees do not feel pressured to return to work too soon.
Goenka also commended Denmark’s mental health awareness, pointing out that the country’s employers place a high value on mental well-being. With rising concerns about workplace stress and burnout in India, Goenka advocates for a shift in the Indian workplace mentality. He asserts that Danish employers demonstrate a higher level of empathy, offering support and resources to ensure employees’ mental health is prioritized. This includes providing counseling services, promoting stress management practices, and fostering an open dialogue about the importance of mental well-being in the workplace.
The Contrast with India’s 90-Hour Work Week Debate
The ongoing debate in India over the 90-hour work week has sparked a significant amount of controversy. Leading figures like L&T’s Subrahmanyan and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy have advocated for longer hours, arguing that such a work culture is essential for India to remain competitive on the global stage. Murthy, in particular, has suggested that a 70-hour work week is necessary for young professionals if India is to compete with the likes of China. This perspective has been met with opposition from various quarters, with prominent industry leaders such as Anand Mahindra and Naushad Forbes dismissing the idea as counterproductive.
Forbes, in a recent interview, emphasized that the quality of work is far more important than the quantity of hours worked. He argued that pushing employees to work excessively long hours would likely result in diminished creativity, lower productivity, and higher stress levels, ultimately leading to a decline in overall performance. He believes that it is more effective to ensure employees are fully engaged and motivated during their working hours, rather than simply increasing the hours they spend at the office.
Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan also weighed in on the issue, expressing his concern about the one-size-fits-all approach to work hours. According to Rajan, work hours should vary based on the nature of the job and the individual’s passion for the work. For instance, those working in physically demanding jobs may require shorter hours, while people in intellectual fields may choose to work longer if they are passionate about their tasks. However, Rajan believes that there should be a balance, and that overworking employees is unlikely to lead to positive outcomes.
Challenges of Long Work Hours in India
India’s business culture has long been associated with long work hours, often with little regard for employee well-being. This has led to increasing rates of stress-related illnesses, burnout, and a general decline in quality of life for many workers. The glorification of the “hustle culture” in India, where employees are expected to sacrifice their personal lives for their work, has been shown to have detrimental effects on mental health.
Additionally, India’s job market, with its highly competitive nature, has placed immense pressure on workers, particularly in the corporate sector. With job security being a significant concern for many employees, there is a tendency to accept longer hours in order to prove one’s commitment and value to the organization. This has created a vicious cycle where employees are expected to work longer hours to retain their jobs, but the quality of their work suffers as a result of stress and fatigue.
The Need for a Work Culture Transformation
Goenka’s call for India to adopt Denmark’s work model is a timely and necessary one. As the country continues to modernize and globalize, it is important to reexamine outdated work practices and shift towards a model that prioritizes employee well-being. Adopting practices such as flexible work hours, mental health support, and generous vacation policies would not only improve the quality of life for employees but also increase productivity and innovation.
However, transforming India’s work culture will require significant changes at both the corporate and governmental levels. Employers will need to embrace a more empathetic approach to management, one that values work-life balance and mental health. At the same time, the government could consider implementing policies that encourage companies to prioritize employee well-being, such as mandating paid vacation days and providing incentives for companies that offer flexible work arrangements.
The growing debate over the 90-hour work week in India highlights the need for a more balanced approach to work. By drawing inspiration from countries like Denmark, India can create a work environment that nurtures employee well-being, promotes creativity, and enhances productivity. As Goenka rightly points out, there are valuable lessons to be learned from Denmark’s work culture, and implementing similar practices in India could result in a healthier, more productive workforce. The shift towards a healthier work culture is not only essential for improving the quality of life for Indian workers but is also critical to the long-term success and competitiveness of the country’s economy.
