Namita Thapar, judge on Shark Tank India and Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, recently shared her perspective on work-life balance, criticizing the notion that employees should work extra hours for company growth. Speaking on the Humans of Bombay podcast, she expressed strong disagreement with this idea, calling it “a crock of bull****.”
Thapar emphasized the difference between employees and founders, stating that while entrepreneurs with financial stakes may choose to work long hours, salaried employees should not be expected to do the same. “For founders, high stakeholders who make tons of money, go for it. Work 24 hours a day forever. But for the common man and woman, they need some specified number of work hours,” she explained. She also highlighted the potential health risks associated with excessive work hours, noting that salaried employees like her accountant, who work long hours without any financial upside, could suffer physically and mentally.
Thapar acknowledged that there are times when long hours are necessary but stressed that these should not be prolonged. She also clarified that she agreed with deliverable periods in a company but rejected the idea of expecting employees to work excessively without a personal financial benefit.
On the same podcast, Anupam Mittal, founder and CEO of People’s Group, offered a contrasting viewpoint. Mittal argued that the idea of counting work hours is misleading for those aiming to achieve extraordinary success. He believed that success requires dedication and hard work, regardless of the hours put in. “Success builds ego, but struggle builds character,” he said, advocating for a more intensive commitment during the early stages of one’s career.
While Thapar and Mittal held opposing views, both agreed that founders who work beyond regular hours can achieve a larger financial payoff.