A recent social media exchange between prominent business leaders has reignited the intense national debate surrounding India’s workplace culture. RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka sparked the discourse after suggesting that the Indian workforce's inclination to extend their hours beyond traditional schedules and work through weekends provides a significant competitive edge over many European nations.
Goenka shared his views on the social media platform X, referencing a video clip of Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal discussing India’s approach to professional responsibilities. While acknowledging that the minister’s remarks were made in a light-hearted manner, Goenka insisted that they contained a serious message regarding the country’s work ethic. He contrasted the Indian approach with his observations of European work culture, where he noted that professional meetings often conclude by 4 pm on Fridays.
The assertion drew an immediate and pointed response from former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover. Rejecting the notion that long hours are merely a sign of a superior work ethic, Grover characterised the phenomenon as a result of unavoidable pressure. "Sir usko majboori bolte hai," Grover replied, framing the trend as a consequence of systemic circumstances rather than a voluntary choice by employees.
This latest exchange brings into sharp focus the long-standing tension between business leaders advocating for aggressive growth and the workforce, which continues to demand better compensation and personal time. While supporters of the long-hours culture point to the requirements of serving global clients across diverse time zones and meeting the demands of high-growth industries, critics argue that such expectations often lead to employee burnout without necessarily translating into proportional salary increases or productivity gains.
The debate is part of a recurring conversation among India’s corporate elite. Previously, discussions were triggered by suggestions from figures such as Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, who advocated for a 70-hour work week, and Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who suggested the possibility of working on Sundays. At that time, Goenka had taken a more nuanced stance, warning that treating "day off" as a mythical concept could be detrimental to the workforce while simultaneously suggesting that these calls should be interpreted as directional encouragement for India's economic ambition rather than literal policy.
Beyond the discussion of hours, Union Minister Piyush Goyal has also faced scrutiny for his comments on the direction of Indian entrepreneurship. Goyal has previously questioned whether the startup ecosystem should focus on premium consumer goods like ice cream and cookies, or shift its ambitions toward more impactful sectors. Supporting this sentiment, Goenka has maintained that India must build capabilities in advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, deep technology, and clean energy to secure a stronger position in the global economy.
As the debate continues, it highlights the competing priorities facing the modern Indian economy. Organizations are tasked with remaining agile and responsive to international market demands, while employees continue to emphasize the necessity of predictable downtime and fair treatment. Whether this push for extended hours will foster the economic growth envisioned by industry leaders or exacerbate issues of labor sustainability remains a central question for the nation's evolving professional landscape.
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