In recent times, the idea of working long hours has been a subject of great debate. While some leaders in the business world have advocated for longer workweeks, others, such as former World Health Organization (WHO) scientist Soumya Swaminathan, are raising concerns about the harmful effects of overwork on health, productivity, and overall well-being. Swaminathan, known for her extensive work in global health, including her leadership in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, has emphasized the unsustainable nature of working 70–90 hours a week.

Swaminathan’s caution comes at a time when there is an increasing trend, especially in the corporate world, to push employees to work extended hours in the name of productivity and economic growth. Swaminathan has strongly warned that such work habits may be achievable in the short term, but they are not sustainable in the long run, particularly when it comes to mental health, physical well-being, and overall productivity.

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The Impact of Prolonged Overwork

In her interview with PTI, Swaminathan underscored the harmful consequences of prolonged overwork, emphasizing that while occasional short bursts of intense work can be manageable, they should not become a long-term strategy. “You can really work hard, let’s say for a few months. During COVID, we all did that, right? But could we have continued that for years together? I am not sure,” she remarked. Her observation about the COVID-19 pandemic highlights a crucial point: many healthcare workers and other essential employees worked tirelessly during the crisis, often at the cost of their physical and mental health. The result was widespread burnout and high turnover, leading to a long-term shortage of healthcare professionals.

Swaminathan’s reflection on the pandemic serves as a cautionary tale for industries today. While it may seem like working extended hours can help meet deadlines and achieve ambitious goals, the long-term effects are dire. After prolonged periods of excessive work, the human body and mind cannot function at peak efficiency. Eventually, the exhaustion takes its toll, leading to diminishing returns on the time spent working.

Burnout and Reduced Efficiency

Swaminathan highlighted that working long hours can lead to burnout, a state of physical and mental exhaustion that can severely impact an individual’s ability to function. “Burnout is real,” she stated, and it can manifest in many ways, including fatigue, lack of motivation, irritability, and a decrease in productivity. The more people push themselves beyond their limits, the more likely they are to experience these symptoms.

In fact, research has consistently shown that after a certain number of hours, efficiency and productivity begin to decline significantly. Swaminathan elaborated on this point: “You can sit at your table for 12 hours, but maybe after eight hours, you are not doing that good quality work.” This is where the quality of work is compromised in favor of quantity. Working longer hours may lead to more tasks being completed, but these tasks are often done with less focus and less attention to detail, resulting in subpar outcomes.

This notion of diminishing returns is backed by numerous studies. For instance, a 2014 study conducted by Stanford University found that productivity per hour declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours a week, and beyond 55 hours, it falls off a cliff. The brain simply cannot function at its best for prolonged periods of time, and overworking only exacerbates this.

The Importance of Rest for Mental and Physical Health

One of Swaminathan’s key points was that rest is essential for maintaining sustained performance over time. She emphasized the importance of sleep and mental well-being, stating, “The human body has some needs for sleep, and mentally also, I feel that you need a break if you are going to be productive and if your thinking process has to be equal.” Swaminathan made it clear that rest is not a luxury; it is a necessity for optimal performance.

Sleep is particularly important in this context. Lack of sleep can impair cognitive function, memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation. Chronic sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of a range of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. As Swaminathan pointed out, without sufficient rest, it is impossible to maintain the kind of high-level thinking required for both personal and professional success.

Moreover, the mental health consequences of overwork cannot be ignored. The continuous pressure to perform at high levels without adequate breaks can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these issues, with many frontline workers experiencing not only physical exhaustion but also psychological trauma. Mental health support and adequate rest, therefore, should be prioritized in the workplace to ensure employees are able to work sustainably.

Work-Life Balance and the Shift Toward Quality Over Quantity

Swaminathan’s perspective challenges the prevailing belief that longer hours equal more success. This mindset, often perpetuated by industry leaders, is not only flawed but also dangerous. Many companies are now pushing for longer workweeks, citing the need for greater productivity and economic growth. For instance, Larsen & Toubro’s Chairman, S N Subrahmanyan, and Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy have both advocated for a 70–90 hour workweek. They believe that working longer hours will help propel India toward its ambitious goal of building a $30 trillion economy by 2047.

While these economic goals are important, they should not come at the cost of individual health and well-being. Swaminathan urged people to recognize that overwork does not guarantee better outcomes. It is quality, not the number of hours worked, that determines productivity. A shorter workweek, with more efficient and focused efforts, can often yield better results than a longer workweek marked by fatigue and burnout.

Many companies around the world are now embracing the idea of work-life balance, which allows employees to have more flexibility in their schedules, take breaks when needed, and prioritize their well-being. Studies have shown that employees who feel valued and have a healthy work-life balance are more engaged, productive, and satisfied with their jobs. Thus, investing in employee well-being is not just a moral imperative; it is also good for business in the long run.

The Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Work Practices

Looking ahead, Swaminathan’s message is clear: sustainable work practices are essential for long-term success. The idea that working excessively long hours is the only path to success needs to be reconsidered. Instead, businesses should focus on creating environments that prioritize the health and well-being of their employees while still achieving productivity goals. This includes fostering a culture of respect for personal time, encouraging breaks, and providing mental health resources.

Employers should also invest in training managers to recognize the signs of burnout in their employees and take steps to address it. This could involve creating a more supportive work environment, providing flexible schedules, and offering mental health services. When employees feel supported and cared for, they are more likely to remain engaged and productive.

In addition, employees themselves must take ownership of their own health and well-being. This means listening to their bodies, recognizing the signs of overwork, and making self-care a priority. It also involves setting boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring that time for rest and recreation is not compromised.

Soumya Swaminathan’s warnings about the dangers of working 70–90 hours a week resonate deeply, particularly in today’s fast-paced world where overwork is often seen as a badge of honor. While short bursts of intense work may be manageable, it is crucial to recognize that overwork is unsustainable in the long run. Burnout, decreased productivity, and negative health consequences are just some of the risks associated with working excessively long hours.

Swaminathan’s emphasis on rest, mental well-being, and the importance of work quality over quantity serves as a timely reminder for both employers and employees. By adopting more sustainable work practices and prioritizing employee health, we can achieve long-term success without sacrificing the well-being of those involved. Balancing work and rest is not just beneficial for individuals, but it also contributes to a more productive, engaged, and healthy workforce—ultimately fostering a more successful society and economy.