New Delhi, Jan 11: Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, today shared his views on the ongoing debate about work-life balance and the suggestion from some corporate leaders to increase working hours.
Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, Mahindra emphasized that the focus should be on the quality, not the quantity, of work.
While expressing respect for leaders like Narayana Murthy, founder of Infosys, Mahindra argued that the current debate on working hours is misguided. "This debate is in the wrong direction," he said, adding, "It's not about 48, 40, 70, or 90 hours of work. It's about the output."
Mahindra pointed out that meaningful work can be achieved even in shorter timeframes. "What output are you delivering, even if it's just 10 hours? You can change the world in 10 hours," he remarked, referencing the growing global experimentation with shorter workweeks, such as the four-day workweek.
In his address, Mahindra also discussed the importance of having leaders who make wise, informed decisions. He emphasized that the best decision-makers are those with a broad, holistic perspective that incorporates diverse viewpoints. "That's why I believe in liberal arts," he said. "Whether you're an engineer or an MBA, studying art and culture is essential. A well-rounded education allows you to make better decisions, using the full capacity of your brain."
(With agency inputs)
