The founder of Infosys recently suggested that all young Indians should work 70 hours a week to achieve greater economic progress. This proposal received criticism from many on social media. While others debate over whether working such long hours is economically beneficial, let’s look at the health implications.
Physical Health
Working for extended periods beyond the usual 40-hour workweek can significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Long work hours can lead to chronic stress, which can have a negative impact on the body over time. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of time for exercise and relaxation can further contribute to health issues. This can cause physical manifestations such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and a compromised immune system.
It is, therefore, essential to recognize the importance of taking breaks and prioritizing self-care to maintain good health. By doing so, one can reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions and improve overall well-being.
Mental Health
Overworking can also have severe negative effects on an individual's mental health. The persistent pressure to meet work demands, especially within extended hours, can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the boundaries between personal and professional life can become blurred, causing burnout and impacting overall mental well-being.
Mental health issues may also arise from prolonged exposure to demanding work schedules. The continuous pressure to meet high work expectations within extended hours can create exhaustion and unexplained fatigue. This, if continues, can manifest as a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, and a decline in overall energy levels. The constant stressors at work, coupled with the challenges of achieving a work-life balance, can contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms and symptoms of workplace anxiety.
Occupational stress is another common consequence of extended working hours. It arises from the demands and pressures of the job, such as the need to meet deadlines, handle challenging tasks, and navigate workplace dynamics.
This chronic stress can manifest in various ways, such as irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. The cumulative effect of prolonged occupational stress can lead to burnout, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a sense of detachment from one's work.
Investing in the health of employees is not only a corporate concern, but it is also an investment in the health and development of the entire nation, reaping long-term benefits for both businesses and the country as a whole.
In what ways does your company invest in employee health and well-being? Do let us know in the comment section.
At MFine, we are dedicated to promoting health and wellness, not only among our employees but also among those of other organizations. We offer services like at-home blood tests, at-home X-ray services, free annual health check-ups, online doctor consultations, and more. If you’re looking for affordable health solutions for your business, contact us at [email protected]. We'll be happy to assist you in any way we can.
FAQs
Physical Health
Is 70 hours a week good or bad? ›
The Health Implications of a 70-Hour Workweek
Chronic stress, often associated with long work hours, can lead to a weakened immune system, increased susceptibility to illness, and an elevated risk of developing chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
What does working 80 hours a week do to your body? ›
This not only affects cognitive functions like memory and decision-making but also increases the risk of physical health issues like cardiovascular disease and weakened immune response. Chronic stress: The constant pressure and workload associated with an 80-hour work week can lead to chronic stress.
What are the health risks of working long hours? ›
Stretched working hours, a major health issue
According to a recent World Heath Organization study, working 55 or more hours per week is associated with an estimated 35% higher risk of a stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week.
How can I stay healthy working 70 hours a week? ›
How to maintain work-life balance while working 70-hour weeks
- Create a chart of your time. ...
- Don't compromise on sleep. ...
- Make an accessible schedule. ...
- Standardize your time. ...
- Set aside time for yourself each day. ...
- Energize yourself with breaks. ...
- Socialize with your colleagues. ...
- Outsource your chores.
The persistent pressure to meet work demands, especially within extended hours, can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the boundaries between personal and professional life can become blurred, causing burnout and impacting overall mental well-being.
How many Americans work 70 hours a week? ›
*On Average, 25% of Americans work more than 70 hours a week. Around 25% of Americans work physical jobs for their livings. Further, 70 hours a week is a high amount of time to work in a week. Additionally, 25% of Americans work for 70 hours a week to earn bread for their family.
How many hours a week is unhealthy to work? ›
So how much work is too much? A recent study by the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization shows that working more than 55 hours a week can have negative effects on your health. So what can you do to achieve a better work-life balance?
How many Americans work 80 hours a week? ›
Our data reveal that 62% of high-earning individuals work more than 50 hours a week, 35% work more than 60 hours a week, and 10% work more than 80 hours a week. Add in a typical one-hour commute, and a 60-hour workweek translates into leaving the house at 7 am and getting home at 9 pm five days a week.
Is it healthy to work all the time? ›
A WHO survey concluded that people working 55 or more hours per week face a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared to those working 35-40 hours per week. Also, reports from WebMD feature accounts of people who developed heart conditions as a result of overworking.
And working 10 hours or more a day, 50 days per year, for a decade, can increase your risk of having a stroke up to 45%.
How many hours is considered too much work? ›
That means that over 50 hours of work will cause heart issues. Working more than a 40-hour workweek consistently can lead to mental health issues. Burnout is extremely common with small business owners because of excessive overtime. Working to the detriment of sleep causes fatigue and low mood.
What is the healthiest amount of time to work? ›
As well, there are also studies saying that companies that impose their employees daily working hours are also less productive. In the end, scientists generally agree that the ideal daily working time is around 6 hours, and more concentrated in the morning.
What is 70 hours in working days? ›
A 70-hour work week, translating to nearly 12 hours of work for six days, raises both support and criticism.
Is 72 hours a week too much? ›
Research has shown that working more than 55 hours per week is associated with a number of negative health and well-being outcomes, including: Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
How many hours per week is unhealthy? ›
The Health Risks of Working Too Much
Researchers claim that there is a 60 percent increase in risk of cardiovascular diseases if you work more than 10 hours per day. That means that over 50 hours of work will cause heart issues. Working more than a 40-hour workweek consistently can lead to mental health issues.
How much a day is 70 hours a week? ›
70 hours a week became a hot topic when N.R. Narayana Murthy, the well-respected Founder of Infosys, suggested it as a work ethic. That's 10-14 hours a day, 5-7 days a week.
How many hours a week of work is good? ›
Various factors, including personal circ*mstances, employment type, and overall work-life balance, influence what is considered a healthy number of hours to work each week. Generally, experts and labor regulations recommend a standard 40-hour workweek for full-time employment.
