The idea of disconnecting from work is perhaps counterintuitive in a country where work is not just a means to an end but a source of identity, pride, and purpose. (Photo via Piaxabay)
With the onset of the pandemic, the global workforce was thrust into a new work environment: Working from the comfort of their homes. This shift made the transition back to full-time office work a significant challenge for many.
The Indian Express recently wrote an editorial in favour of the Right to Disconnect law passed in Australia (‘Right to disconnect’, August 30). While the concept of and all supporting arguments has gained significant traction worldwide, culminating in legislative measures in several countries globally, it’s a phenomenon which could potentially curb growth, especially in a competitive economy such as India’s. The “Right to Disconnect” advocates for an employees’ right to “disconnect from work-related communications outside of official working hours”, which can dull the edge that drives breakthrough achievements in economies where innovation and rapid progress are critical.
Hustle culture, with its ethos of constant striving, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of success, has been both celebrated and criticised in equal measure, perhaps because of its mistaken meaning. Hustle culture is a natural extension of human ambition, a reflection of our intrinsic drive for growth and achievement. Critics have oftentimes labelled hustle culture as a concept that could be potentially detrimental to one’s mental health, putting forth the argument as stated by the author that “A bit of rest and diversion not only makes workers more productive and creative, but also more motivated.”
While this statement is appealing at first glance, it oversimplifies the complex dynamics of work, productivity, growth and motivation. Experiments like those in Iceland are often touted as proof that reduced work hours leads to happier, more productive workers; a closer examination would definitely reveal significant flaws in this argument especially when there is a broader application of such findings to diverse economic contexts, such as the young Indian workforce and economic structure.
Countries like Iceland are unique, with a high concentration of public-sector jobs that are less dependent on strict productivity metrics, and cannot be compared to India, with its growing youth population and private sector industries which thrive and sustain on high performance. To focus overwhelmingly on leisure can sometimes overlook the fact that work can be a profound source of satisfaction and well-being and be deeply rewarding.
It is equally crucial to acknowledge that humans are not merely seeking leisure and relaxation; they are driven by purpose, direction, and accomplishment, which gives them long-lasting happiness. Excess focus on leisure slows down medium-performing workers while high-performing professionals will almost always be on the top of the ladder.
The reality is that many of the world’s most significant advancements and innovations have come from environments where intense focus and long hours were the norm. In India, the right to profession envisaged as a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution, underscores the importance of work in an individual’s life, akin to their right to equality and life. This fundamental right not only allows individuals to choose their vocation, but also reflects the broader societal value placed on hard work, ambition, and the pursuit of excellence. In this context, the concept of a “right to disconnect” might seem at odds with the cultural ethos that celebrates continuous striving and professional growth. A reduction in work hours could lead to a slower pace of development and a diminished capacity to respond to market demands — a mammoth risk the Indian economy cannot afford to take.
The idea of disconnecting from work is perhaps counterintuitive in a country where work is not just a means to an end but a source of identity, pride, and purpose. In the long run, this approach could lead to a decline in national prosperity, as reduced work hours might diminish the capacity for sustained economic development, widening the chasm of divide between developed and fast developing nations.
Instead of advocating for “the rest of the world to catch up”, a more nuanced approach is needed — one that recognises the importance of hard work, ambition, and sustained productivity, while also ensuring a healthy and motivated workforce.
The writer is managing partner of Verum Legal, founder of Code Gavel and JannAwaaz
