90 Hours: is it even realistic?

Ok, let me say it. People misunderstood the CEO of L&T.

In the confines of a closed environment, we often say silly things. It was likely marketing fluff when he asked people to work for ninety hours instead of staring down their spouse.

But what is he missing in his demands of the workforce?

I dont know Mr Subrahmanyan so it is not in my place to give him advice. But to those who do heed my advice here is what I believe.

The human body craves homeostasis or balance. Once the body achieves balance, it tends toward inertia or preservation of energy.

Leave alone working ninety hours, the human body and mind would love to sit and do nothing.

We react when our survival is threatened. In this case, say, being dismissed during your year end review.

Aurobindo put this really well. He said at every moment, there are competing thoughts trying to capture our attention. Some are trying to inflame our vital nature. Incite us into action. Some thoughts help us grow and develop.

In some sense, these are the competing forces going through every persons head. Often, these thoughts are subliminal or subcounscious.

While working ninty hours a week may be impractical and even unhealthy, isnt complete inertia as well?

Many countries have found balance. Finland, New Zealand, France, Norway to name a few. But they found the balance only when the basic needs were met.

When people could focus on higher value work, that paid them well enough for leisure.

When a large part of the work force is being paid hourly wages, it is only more hours worked that will give you enough to eat.

Forget L&T, think of the millions of people who do daily jobs that pay them by the hour.

Unfortunately in India, we are not at that point where the entire country could simply do high value work. Which is why in the short term you will have people extorting and some of us doing ninety hours a week.

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