The Problem with Dominant Voices

©Dr. Aparna Govil Bhasker

Over the past week, I have been trying to figure out what is my real issue with the recent statement made by L&T Chairman, Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, proposing a 90-hour workweek. It’s not just him; similar sentiments were voiced by Mr. Narayana Murthy last year. Even our beloved superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has often proclaimed that success demands sacrifice (sleep etc is for lowly mortals). The underlying message seems clear: to achieve greatness, one must be willing to pay the ultimate price.

There is no denying that these individuals are extremely influential figures in their fields. They are overachievers, highly successful, and immensely respected. Their opinions carry a lot of weight. And while much of the world erupted in outrage over Mr. Subrahmanyan’s statement, there is a significant faction of society nodding in agreement, wondering what the whole fuss is about. Some think that the whole conversation about work-life balance and Gen Z (or Gen alpha or beta or whatever you want to call it!) is overrated. Many would agree that staring at your wife for too long could actually make you feel headier and more imbalanced and it may be better to stare at your laptop instead! Some may not even have the luxury of making a choice to have balance in their lives as they struggle to make ends meet and couldn’t care less.

I’d like to address this issue from two perspectives: as a doctor and as a person.

As a doctor who has endured gruelling 40-hour shifts, I speak from experience. A 90-hour workweek translates to working 13-15 hours a day, depending on whether one works six or seven days a week. And we are talking about forever…… For corporate companies, this is a dream—a committed, overworked employee (almost a slave) willing to forgo sleep, health, and personal life for the bottom line. But for individuals, it’s a catastrophic health hazard. It defies everything we’ve learned in medical school and preach in our clinics. On the one hand, we advise people to sleep well, manage stress, eat healthy, and exercise. On the other, these voices of influence are urging people to do the exact opposite. The irony is almost laughable, except it’s not. I am actually wondering if I got it all wrong as a doctor for the last 30 years!

Let’s break it down: prolonged work hours increase the risk of chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Sleep deprivation leads to impaired cognitive function and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Burnout—a term we’ve become all too familiar with—is real and devastating. In fact, the World Health Organization recognizes burnout as an occupational phenomenon. So, while we’re pushing people to work themselves to exhaustion in the name of success and national progress, we’re simultaneously creating a public health crisis. Isn’t it alarming how frequently we hear nowadays about dynamic, ambitious, and seemingly unstoppable young CEOs succumbing to untimely deaths in their 40s? And these are CEOs. What about the average employee who does not even have a voice or a choice in the system?

Consider where India stands on the global happiness index—a dismal rank of 126 out of 145, already near the bottom, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction and declining mental well-being. Compare this with several Asian economies, such as Japan and South Korea, where long working hours have historically been glorified. These countries have witnessed a dramatic rise in depression rates, suicides, and a significant decline in happiness levels. The correlation between overwork and deteriorating mental health is well-documented, yet we seem intent on repeating the same mistakes. At this rate I am not so sure about the economy but we will definitely touch the bottom of the happiness index in the next few years! Not a goal we should aspire for!

Overworking the young workforce today will only exacerbate health problems, reduce productivity, and strain healthcare systems tomorrow. Sacrificing well-being for short-term economic gains is not just shortsighted—it’s stupid and reckless.

Now, as a person, I can’t help but wonder: what is the purpose of all this sacrifice? What is the definition of success? For every Shah Rukh Khan who glamorizes and glorifies sacrifice, there are countless stories of people who’ve lost their health, relationships, and joy chasing an ever-elusive dream of so called success. What’s the point of a rising GDP if the individuals contributing to it are physically and emotionally broken? As a mother, I can’t help but wonder—what would I truly want for my child? The thought of him growing into high-achieving individual is certainly appealing, but in my heart, I want him to find contentment and happiness above all else.

This brings me to the crux of the matter: the responsibility of dominant voices. When influential figures speak, their words carry power. They inspire, shape opinions, and influence decisions. But with great power comes great responsibility. What you believe personally and what you propagate as a leader are not the same. Personal philosophies can remain just that—personal. However, once you speak publicly, your words take on significant weight and gravitas. Corporate leaders and company owners have considerable influence, and when they share certain views, there’s often an element of power play involved. These are the men (and women) in power. What they say has to be followed (usually) otherwise there is always a fear of being cancelled officially or unofficially.

Statements like “work 90 hours a week” or “success demands sacrifice” are not mere opinions; they set dangerous precedents. They risk normalizing (sometimes idolizing) unhealthy behaviours and creating a culture where overwork is equated with worthiness and tends to bring validation from others. Leaders need to understand that their influence extends far beyond boardrooms and fan clubs. They have the power to inspire positive change or reinforce toxic practices.

So, my plea to those with dominant voices is simple: think before you speak. Understand the impact of your words. Success does not need to come at the cost of health and happiness. Sacrifice is not a badge of honour when it leads to suffering. As leaders, please champion a culture of balance and well-being, because a thriving nation is built not on overworked, burned-out individuals, but on healthy, fulfilled, happy and inspired citizens.

Above all, please don’t be dominating and loud, be kind and considerate.

#WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealthMatters #PublicHealth #SustainableSuccess #HealthyWorkCulture #OverworkIsNotSuccess #SayNoToBurnout #ResponsibleLeadership #ToxicWorkCulture #HappinessOverHustle