Say Goodbye to 70-90 Hour Workweeks: This Indian Company Cuts Hours in Half

In recent months, the debate over work-life balance has taken center stage, fueled by comments from prominent figures in the business world. In 2023, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy sparked a conversation by suggesting that young professionals should work up to 70 hours per week. Then, in 2024, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan pushed the envelope further, advocating for 90-hour workweeks, including Sundays. Most recently, billionaire Elon Musk shocked many with a post on X, revealing that employees at DOGE work 120 hours per week.

However, amidst these intense discussions, one Indian company is challenging the prevailing norm of long work hours. Veeba Foods, led by Founder and Managing Director Viraj Bahl, has taken a bold step by slashing its workweek to just 40 hours.

A Different Approach to Work Culture

In a recent podcast appearance on The Rockford Circle, Bahl dismissed the idea of long work weeks, calling them outdated and unfair. He pointed out that companies demanding such hours, without offering employees equity stakes or substantial financial rewards, were following an unsustainable approach. Bahl emphasized the need for a balanced work-life culture, arguing that pushing employees to work excessively long hours isn’t productive in the long run.

He also criticized the hustle and grind culture that has been glorified in recent years. While acknowledging that the early stages of new businesses require extra effort, Bahl made it clear that this constant hustle can be detrimental to both the employees and the company once the business grows. According to him, balance is key to ensuring long-term success for both individuals and organizations.

A Personal Philosophy on Work-Life Balance

Bahl’s perspective on work-life balance stems from his own journey. He grew up in a family business, Fun Foods, where he developed an early interest in food manufacturing. Though he initially pursued marine engineering and worked in the merchant navy, Bahl later made a significant career shift. After achieving financial stability, he joined his family business and helped expand Fun Foods until it was sold in 2008.

But it was in 2013 that Bahl founded Veeba Foods, a company that has now blossomed into a thriving enterprise with a revenue of INR 1000 Crore. Through his personal experiences, Bahl has come to value the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance—something he now integrates into the very foundation of his company.

Veeba Foods: A Success Built on Balance

Under Bahl’s leadership, Veeba Foods stands as a testament to the success that can be achieved through balance. The company, which started from humble beginnings, has grown steadily over the years. It now competes in the highly competitive food manufacturing industry, all while promoting a healthier work culture that values its employees’ well-being.

As Bahl’s approach gains attention, it stands in stark contrast to the growing pressures of extended work hours that have become common in many sectors. His decision to reduce the workweek at Veeba Foods is not just a stance against the hustle culture; it’s a call for businesses to rethink their strategies. Work should be sustainable, balanced, and, most importantly, respectful of the personal lives of employees.

A Shift in the Corporate Landscape?

Bahl’s comments and actions raise an important question: Can the corporate world shift away from the long-hours mentality that has dominated for years? In a time when many businesses are pushing employees to work longer hours, Veeba Foods offers a refreshing perspective that prioritizes the well-being of workers while still achieving business success.

As more companies embrace this mindset, it could lead to a much-needed overhaul of the toxic hustle culture that has become all too common in many industries.

Viraj Bahl’s bold move to reduce working hours at Veeba Foods is a much-needed reminder that companies can thrive without sacrificing their employees’ quality of life. His approach challenges the outdated ideals of long workweeks and offers a new path forward. Perhaps it’s time for more businesses to rethink the hustle culture and consider a more balanced, sustainable approach to work.

What do you think about reducing work hours for better work-life balance? Share your thoughts with us and stay tuned for more updates on how companies are reshaping the future of work.