The recently released Economic Survey 2024-25 has ignited discussions on India’s work culture, mental well-being, and the importance of skill development in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
As a precursor to the Union Budget 2025-26, the Economic Survey was tabled before both the Houses of Parliament and presented by V. Anantha Nageswaran Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India. The Survey has provided crucial insights into work-life balance, skilling initiatives, and mental health, all the while emphasizing the need to adopt a more holistic approach to economic growth.
Work-Life Balance and Productivity
The Economic Survey 2024-25 extract was released early this evening. As I stay-back in the office after hours and draft an article on the impacts of long-working hours and its impacts, I realise much like many of you – life may be a paradox.
A fierce debate on working hours erupted in India following comments from corporate leaders advocating a 70- to 90-hour workweek. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy stirred controversy when he remarked, “India’s youth must work 70 hours a week if we want to compete with developed nations.” In tandem, Larsen & Toubro Chairman and Managing Director S. N. Subrahmanyan suggested, “Employees should work 90-hour weeks, including Sundays, rather than sit at home. How long can you stare at your wife?”
These comments sparked outrage on social media, with many questioning the ethics of such an extreme work culture, more so when those sitting at the top of such conglomerates are tone-deaf to the pangs of the working class.
Get Complete Coverage on Budget 2025-26
Business leaders like Harsh Goenka of RPG Group countered, stating, “Longer working hours are a recipe for burnout, not success.” Similarly, Anand Mahindra weighed in, asserting, “It’s not the number of hours but the quality of work that counts.”
The Economic Survey has taken a measured stance, cautioning against excessive working hours and their impact on productivity and mental health. The Survey cites findings from the WHO and ILO, highlighting that individuals working beyond 55-60 hours per week experience severe physical and mental strain.
It also draws upon a study by Sapien Labs which found that individuals spending 12 or more hours at their desks report mental well-being scores nearly 100 points lower than those who work fewer hours. The Economic Survey 2024-25 underscores that hostile work cultures and extreme working hours could disrupt mental well-being, stifle productivity, ultimately hampering economic growth.
Work Culture and Workplace Dynamics
India’s workplace culture is a significant determinant of employee well-being and efficiency. The Survey found that individuals with supportive managerial relationships had a 100-point higher mental well-being score compared to those with poor managerial relationships. Similarly, employees who felt a sense of pride and purpose at work showed significantly better mental well-being.
The findings prove that even in jobs with ideal managerial relationships, a total of five days per month are lost due to other factors hindering productivity, indicating that workplace culture alone cannot determine productivity. Rather, the survey proposes that holistic measures that facilitate a balance between work, social interactions, and awareness of health are the key factors for sustainable growth.
Upskilling, Reskilling, and New Skilling
Recognizing the shifting global job market, the Economic Survey has emphasized the importance of skill development through various government initiatives.
The document highlights that 90.2% of India’s workforce has secondary-level education or lower, with 88.2% engaged in low-competency occupations. To address this gap, the government has launched several skilling programs, including the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, which aims to provide one crore youth with internships in 500 top companies over the next five years.
Get Complete Coverage on Budget 2025-26
The FutureSkills Prime platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), focuses on upskilling IT professionals in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Additionally, the government has pledged to train 20 lakh youth under a new centrally sponsored skilling scheme and upgrade 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes through a hub-and-spoke model. These initiatives aim to equip India’s workforce with the skills needed for an AI-driven and digital economy, ensuring higher employability and economic mobility.
Mental Health and Well-being
The Economic Survey has placed mental health at the center of the economic agenda, recognizing its direct impact on productivity. The Survey cites WHO estimates that 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to depression and anxiety, resulting in a global financial loss of $1 trillion. In India, poor lifestyle choices such as consuming ultra-processed food, excessive social media use, and lack of physical exercise have been associated with lower mental well-being. The Survey suggests that individuals who exercise regularly and maintain close family bonds experience significantly better mental health outcomes.
Government initiatives such as the National Mental Health Policy and the Tele-MANAS program have been instrumental in providing accessible mental health care. Currently, 47 mental health institutes are operational across India, with telemedicine services expanding nationwide to address the growing demand for psychological support.
The Home Office: Disconnecting from Work
In an age where remote work and hybrid models have become commonplace, the Economic Survey has stressed the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life. Studies indicate that employees engaged in fully remote work report lower mental well-being scores compared to those in hybrid or in-person settings.
The Survey recommends policies that promote work-life balance, encourage leisure activities, and foster strong family relationships. It warns against the cultural shift towards continuous connectivity, emphasizing that downtime is essential for mental rejuvenation and long-term productivity.
India vs. The World: A Comparative Analysis
The Economic Survey compares India’s work culture with global trends, shedding light on areas where improvements are needed. According to global work happiness indices, India lags behind developed economies in terms of job satisfaction, salary structures, and employee benefits.
Countries with stronger labor protections and a focus on employee well-being—such as the Nordic nations—tend to report higher work-life satisfaction and productivity. While India has made progress in expanding social security benefits and income tax reforms, further steps are required to ensure competitive wages, mental health support, and flexible working conditions.
Conclusion
The Economic Survey 2024-25 presents a compelling case for redefining India’s approach to work culture, skill development, and mental well-being. As the nation strives to become a global economic powerhouse, fostering a sustainable work environment, prioritizing employee well-being, and investing in skill development will be critical. Policymakers, industry leaders, and workers must collectively work towards a balanced and inclusive economic future—one where prosperity is measured not just in GDP figures but in the overall well-being of the workforce.
In my personal opinion, balance is a word that defines the real requirement between two odd things. On certain days, balance might mean an added effort towards your profession, on certain days balance might mean spending more time on your human-self. The intent of a nation, company or a workplace should be to provide a space for a person to be the best version of themselves and bring their best abilities to the professional table, while giving ample space to be their best self for themselves, their family and their friends.
Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates
