70 or 90-hour weeks here, four-day weeks elsewhere

While we’re busy debating whether a 70-hour or 90-hour work week is better for our 'Nation', the rest of the world is moving toward a 4-day work week!
I recently spoke with a friend in Germany whose company started a 4-day work week pilot six months ago. Feeling envious, I asked how she spent all that 'extra day' of the week 😉. Her response was eye-opening: she now has time to pursue hobbies that were always on the back burner. The change positively impacted her mental health, resulting in fewer sick days and better concentration at work. Most of her colleagues feel the same way. Her company is now planning to shift to a 4-day work week permanently!
In contrast, here in India, we’re still stuck in the 'Slavery' mindset where every punch-in and punch-out is tracked meticulously. Leaving work before the boss is frowned upon, and those who log more hours are often seen as more dedicated.

What’s even more baffling is the complete absence of government intervention in this debate. While personal tax collections rise, outpacing corporate taxes, the government remains silent on the abuse many employees face. The government is quick to collect taxes but seemingly indifferent when it comes to ensuring a healthy work environment for its citizens.

In countries where overworking is the norm, like Japan and South Korea, the negative impacts are clear. They are grappling with existential crises due to record-low birth rates, leading to a disproportionately aging population and mounting socio-economic pressures!

Perhaps it’s time we rethink our approach to work culture. The government must play a more active role in ensuring that the workforce isn’t just a tool for higher tax revenues but also a community whose well-being is prioritized. Without such balance, we risk driving our nation’s most valuable resource—its people—into burnout and disillusionment.

Some of the earlier posts on related topics (we all have short-term memory) -
- Young folks looking for FIRE - https://lnkd.in/gVnx9pNi
- Life is easy - https://lnkd.in/ggvZkqeb?
- No one killed Anna - https://lnkd.in/gHkm32M3?