Summary: Capgemini India CEO Ashwin Yardi has rejected the idea of a 70-to-90-hour workweek, advocating instead for a balanced 47.5-hour workweek to promote work-life balance. Speaking at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF) in Mumbai, he emphasized efficiency over long hours and discouraged weekend email escalations unless they could be resolved immediately. Yardi’s stance reflects a broader push for healthier work culture in India’s corporate sector, reinforcing Capgemini’s commitment to employee well-being and sustainable productivity.
In a resounding call for work-life balance, Capgemini India CEO Ashwin Yardi has dismissed the notion of an extended 70-to-90-hour workweek, instead advocating for a structured and reasonable approach to working hours in India. Speaking at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF) in Mumbai, Yardi emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustainable work schedule for employees.
Balanced Work Hours: A Healthier Approach
During his address, Yardi proposed a workweek consisting of 47.5 hours—roughly nine hours a day over five days a week. His comments come at a time when discussions around excessive work hours have gained traction in the Indian corporate landscape, with some business leaders endorsing longer workweeks as a means to drive productivity and economic growth.
However, Yardi offered a different perspective, prioritizing efficiency and employee well-being over sheer hours spent at work. He underlined the importance of maintaining a structured yet flexible schedule, ensuring that professionals remain productive without compromising their personal lives.
A Stand Against Weekend Escalations
One of the standout moments from Yardi’s speech was his guiding principle regarding work communication on weekends.
“For the last four years, my principle has been—don’t send an email on a weekend, even if it is an escalation, unless you know you can solve it on a weekend,” Yardi stated, as quoted by news agency PTI.
This approach signals a progressive shift towards reducing burnout and fostering a culture where employees are not pressured to be available beyond their designated working hours. By advocating against unnecessary weekend work, Yardi has reinforced the importance of disconnecting from professional responsibilities during personal time.
A Progressive Vision for the Workforce
Yardi’s remarks reflect a broader conversation about the evolving nature of work culture, particularly in the Indian IT and corporate sectors. While long work hours have traditionally been seen as a hallmark of dedication and success, increasing awareness of mental health and productivity trends has led to calls for a more balanced approach.
Capgemini, a global leader in consulting, digital transformation, and technology services, has been at the forefront of implementing employee-friendly policies. By championing structured work hours and discouraging weekend escalations, Yardi is setting an example for leaders across industries to rethink how organizations can optimize productivity without overburdening employees.
As the debate on work hours continues, Yardi’s stance serves as a reminder that sustainable and thoughtful work practices are key to fostering a motivated and efficient workforce in the long run.
Check out more on Startup News and Startup Funding News. Stay connected with us across all our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and Join Our Community.
