An Indian founder 80-hour work week comment has blown up social media after an Indian businesswoman living in the US stirred up a storm of outrage after suggesting that professionals work 14 hour days every day, 80 hours a week, if they want to achieve real results. While her aim was to motivate people to set high expectations, the net has been quick to denounce the plan "toxic," "unrealistic," and even "dangerous."
The row erupted after entrepreneur Neha Suresh in a now-famous video blog post explained her productivity manifesto. She said 14 hour work days are not extreme but are the "baseline" for developing globally important products.
If you're not working 14+ hours per day on your passion, you're ngmi (not going to make it). You can't make a world-changing product on 9-5 vibes. 80 hour weeks is not nuts. It's normal," she wrote.
The post, which came after a video of her working late at night, has been viewed 85,000 times since, supporting her both admiration and frustration.
Strong Baleful Critique of the 80-Hour Per Week Concept
During a time when companies throughout the world are reevaluating the classic workday in an effort to improve mobility, health, and mental health, the concept of an 80 hour workweek sounded real.
Social media users were quick to call out the negative side of overtime glorification. Most said that overworking causes burnout, poor judgment, and ill health, and that ultimately, productivity is lost and not gained.
One comment read: "And hugely unsustainable. Do get some sun, exercise and sleep too. You'll be amazed how productive that makes you." Another agreed with the same point of view: "I burned out chasing 80 hour weeks. I found that I actually produce higher quality products when I am well rested and thinking clearly."
Further criticism was leveled at the Indian founder's 80-hour workweek philosophy for failing to consider the realities of the workforce. While founders may choose to work longer hours, some argued that it was unfair to expect employees to do the same, frequently without receiving the same compensation.
Ambition vs. Balance: Conflicting Reactions
Some of them valued Neha Suresh's passion and dedication, even though the majority of them didn't agree with her.
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