Economic Survey 2024-25 warns against long work hours

The pre-Budget Economic Survey 2024-25 has raised concerns over the health risks of excessive work hours, cautioning against the trend of extended workweeks. Released amid ongoing debates sparked by business leaders advocating 70- to 90-hour workweeks, the survey draws attention to the adverse effects of working more than 60 hours per week.

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Citing studies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the survey emphasized that workweeks exceeding 55–60 hours significantly increase health risks, including heightened levels of mental distress. Individuals working 12 or more hours a day face disproportionately high levels of psychological strain, according to research highlighted in the report.

Additionally, a study by the Sapien Labs Centre for Human Brain and Mind found that those spending over 12 hours at work daily exhibited significantly lower mental well-being than individuals who worked only a few hours. The survey pointed out that even spending long, stationary hours at a desk is harmful to mental health, underscoring the need for balanced work schedules.

These findings arrive at a critical moment when discussions about productivity and work culture are intensifying. The report calls for an emphasis on employee well-being and sustainable work practices, underscoring the need to prioritize mental health over extended work commitments.