'90-Hour Work Week Unsustainable In Long Run, Fine In Crisis': Naukri.Com's Sanjeev Bikhchandani On Republic

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, co-founder of Naukri.com, weighed in on the ongoing debate about long work hours triggered by L&T CEO, SN Subrahmanyan’s comments advocating for a 90-hour work week. Bikhchandani shared his perspective on the balance between hard work, sustainability, and achieving career success.

“We should do what it takes to do our work and achieve our targets. This 90-hrs a week is not sustainable in the long run, but it’s fine in a crisis," Sanjeev Bikhchandani said while speaking to Arnab Goswami, Editor-in-Chief, of Republic Media Network, acknowledged the pressure to go above and beyond during crises, stating 

His remarks were in response to Subrahmanyan’s controversial statement, which had sparked intense discussions about work culture and the expectations placed on employees in India's corporate sector.

'90-Hour Work Week Unsustainable In Long Run, Fine In Crisis': Naukri.Com's Sanjeev Bikhchandani On Republic

Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey, Bhikchandani advised the youth to focus on hard work and persistence, emphasizing the importance of diligence in career growth. He cited a saying that encapsulated his belief: "Mehnat karo, aagey badhoge.”

While Bikhchandani agreed that extraordinary effort might be required in exceptional circumstances, he cautioned against making long working hours the norm. "In a crisis, you may have to push yourself beyond the usual limits, but this should not become a long-term or general expectation. Sustainability is key to productivity and employee well-being," he said. The conversation sparked a larger debate on the modern work culture, with many questioning the impact of such long hours on mental and physical health, as well as overall work-life balance. Bhikchandani’s comments highlighted the need for companies to prioritize employee well-being while also striving for excellence.