'I Recommend It To...' - Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha On Work-Like Balance

Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha stirred online discussions after posting a cryptic comment on X (formerly Twitter) about work-life balance: "I have nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors."

The remark, laced with irony, follows a viral Reddit post alleging "toxic work culture" at Zepto, including claims of 2 a.m. meetings and 14-hour workdays.  

Work-Life Balance : Allegations

The Reddit post, titled "Toxic Work Culture ft. Zepto", was shared anonymously on the subreddit r/StartUpIndia. It accused the company of intense work demands, reigniting concerns about employee wellbeing in fast-paced sectors like quick commerce. Palicha's comment seems to signal Zepto’s prioritization of a high-intensity work ethic to stay competitive.  

Work-Life Balance: Industry Leaders Views

The debate on work-life balance is not new. Recently, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy doubled down on his long-standing opposition to the idea, stating, "I do not believe in work-life balance... I will take this with me to my grave."

In contrast, Wipro executive chairman Rishad Premji advocated for the importance of work-life balance, emphasizing that hybrid work models can help employees manage professional and personal priorities more effectively.  
 

The differing views among industry leaders highlight an ongoing tension between achieving business goals and fostering employee wellbeing. As the conversation unfolds, it reflects the evolving dynamics of workplace culture in India.