Economic Survey 2024-25: Long Work Hours Linked to Health Risks

Economic Survey 2024-25: Long Work Hours Linked to Health Risks

The Economic Survey for 2024-25 highlighted the detrimental effects of long working hours on health, particularly mental well-being. It emphasized that working more than 60 hours a week could result in adverse health outcomes, with studies showing that spending over 12 hours a day at a desk is linked to mental distress. The Survey cited research, including studies by Pega F and Nafradi B (2021), and the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates on Work-related Disease Burden, warning against working excessive hours.

The Survey noted that while working long hours is often considered a productivity measure, it can harm mental well-being. Individuals who work 12 or more hours daily report significantly lower mental health scores compared to those who spend less time at a desk. Moreover, adopting healthier lifestyle choices, improving workplace cultures, and fostering better family relationships are associated with fewer lost workdays due to health issues.

The report also noted the wider impact on productivity. Even in workplaces with positive managerial relationships, employees lost about five workdays a month, showing that workplace culture is only one factor influencing productivity and well-being. Additionally, a study from the WHO revealed that global depression and anxiety lead to a loss of 12 billion workdays annually, costing economies around $1 trillion—approximately ₹7,000 per lost day in India.

This discussion comes amid ongoing debates around working hours, particularly spurred by comments from industry leaders like S.N. Subrahmanyan of Larsen & Toubro, who controversially suggested a 90-hour workweek. This sparked debates about work-life balance, with business figures like Harsh Goenka of RPG Group and Anand Mahindra of Mahindra Group cautioning against long hours, advocating instead for quality work and productivity over sheer time spent at the office.

The Economic Survey also emphasized the need for attention to lifestyle choices from a young age if India aims to meet its economic goals. It warned that unhealthy work cultures and excessive working hours could hamper mental well-being and ultimately slow down economic growth.

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