24 January, 2025

As a Bengalurean from India’s startup capital, where hustle culture is deeply ingrained, my social media feed is abuzz with debates surrounding the concept of a 90-hour workweek.

While some have argued that it paves the way for success, as an educationist, I believe this culture not only harms personal well-being but also stifles opportunities for learning, creativity, and growth.

Having spent years in the field of education, I have come to understand that learning, whether academic or professional, requires time for introspection and rest. A 90-hour workweek leaves little room for intellectual curiosity or skill-building beyond immediate job demands.

When work consumes nearly all waking hours, individuals become less capable of engaging in the critical thinking and problem-solving that drive true innovation.

In fact, research has consistently highlighted the negative effects of overwork on productivity and on mental and physical health. Chronic stress, fatigue, and burnout are inevitable outcomes of a 90-hour workweek, which diminish cognitive performance. How can we expect individuals to learn, innovate, or grow when their mental reserves are depleted? Rest is not a luxury; it is an essential ingredient for productivity and creativity.

Instead of promoting excessive hours, we should advocate for systems that prioritize efficiency, collaboration, and lifelong learning. Workplaces should value results over hours, ensuring employees have the time and energy to invest in their personal and professional development. Encouraging flexible schedules, supporting mental health, and fostering a culture of balance are not just ethical choices—they are also practical strategies to sustain creativity and innovation in the long run.

For individuals, businesses, and society at large, fostering a culture of balance and continuous learning is far more sustainable and rewarding than glorifying exhaustion. It’s time to rethink what productivity truly means and create environments where people can thrive—not just survive.

Mansoor Ali Khan is General Secretary, Management of Independent CBSE Schools Association, Karnataka