Recently, Larson & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's statement ignited a national debate on work culture. Advising employees to work 90 hours a week, including Sundays, seemed unreasonable to many. This comes at a time when India is already grappling with a significant work overload.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that, on average, Indian employees work 46.7 hours a week, with 51% working 49 hours or more. India ranks second globally in long working hours, reflecting a persistent challenge in achieving work-life balance.
While discussions in India involve increasing working hours, Japan, once notorious for extended hours, is moving towards a balanced work-life approach.
'Work is a Part of Life, Not Entire Life'
Japan was known for its intense work culture, often leading to karoshi, or death by overwork. Recently, Japan is witnessing profound changes in work culture. In 2022, about 3,000 suicides in Japan were attributed to excessive work, with many others facing health issues. The stress from long hours and target pressure has taken a toll on people's health.
According to South China Morning Post, Japan's annual working hours have significantly decreased. From 1,839 hours in 2000, they fell to 1,626 hours in 2022, an 11.6% reduction. This brings Japan closer to European countries that prioritize work-life balance.
The youth in Japan drive this shift, prioritizing balance over long work hours.
For example, men aged 20-29 worked an average of 46.4 hours per week in 2000, now reduced to 38.1 hours. According to communication expert Makoto Watanabe, this trend reflects the wisdom of today's youth, who view unpaid hard work as exploitation and reject it.
'Value of Life Amid Work Pressure'
Labor scarcity in Japan has accelerated this change. Companies now offer better conditions and amenities to attract workers. While unpaid overtime was once common, young employees now enjoy better wages and quality of life.
According to Recruit Works Institute analyst Takashi Sakamoto, wages for 20-29-year-olds have increased by 25% since 2000, while their work hours have decreased.
Discomfort Among Older Generations
While the change is positive, it hasn't been easy for everyone to embrace. Older generations, who built their careers on long hours, feel disconnected from the new generation's mindset.
