The debate over long work hours has been reignited once again, but this time, not in its favour. The recent statement of Viraj Bahl on 70-hour workweek starkly contrasts with recent industry trends advocating for extended working hours. The Veeba founder recently spoke on ‘The Rockford Circle’ podcast, calling the 70-hour workweek “batsh**t crazy” and completely outdated. His comments come at a time when influential business leaders, including Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, have endorsed longer working hours as a way to boost productivity.
However, Bahl has taken a different approach. Instead of extending work hours, Veeba has officially reduced its employees’ weekly working hours to 40—a stark contrast to the corporate culture of overworking. In this article, we examine his perspective, how it relates to the broader work-life balance debate, and why the 70-hour workweek conversation continues to be so divisive.
Veeba’s 40-hour workweek: A rejection of hustle culture
Speaking on the podcast, Viraj Bahl made it clear that expecting employees to work 70 hours a week without proportional financial benefits is an unfair and outdated practice. He emphasised that while it is understandable for founders—who are the direct beneficiaries of their company’s success—to work long hours, it is unrealistic to impose the same expectation on employees without adequate compensation.
Key statements from Viraj Bahl on 70-hour workweek
“It is okay for a founder to work 70 hours because he is the biggest commercial gainer out of it.”
“To expect your team to work 70 hours is crazy. Either compensate them the same way or do not expect them to work that long.”
“Seventy-hour weeks should not happen. It is an obsolete idea.”
Veeba’s shift to a 40-hour workweek signifies a deliberate move toward a sustainable work culture. It is a culture that prioritises productivity without overburdening employees. Unlike companies pushing for extended hours, Veeba has halved the working hours suggested by some corporate leaders. Instead, the company advocates for a balanced and effective work environment.
The 70-hour workweek debate: How it started
The 70-hour workweek discussion started in October 2023 when Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy sparked controversy by stating that India’s work productivity is among the lowest in the world. He suggested that Indian professionals should work 70 hours a week to help the country become globally competitive.
Murthy’s statement:
“I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave.”
His remarks triggered mixed reactions. While some agreed that increased productivity is necessary, others condemned the idea, pointing out that overworking leads to burnout, stress, and reduced efficiency.
L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan further fueled the debate by taking it a step further, advocating for a 90-hour workweek in a leaked internal video. He suggested employees should even work on Sundays, making an insensitive remark about spending time at home:
L&T Chairman’s statement:
“How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working.”
These comments triggered widespread criticism, with many calling them tone-deaf and regressive. While some industry veterans defended long work hours as necessary for economic progress, others—like Viraj Bahl—challenged the very premise of the argument.
Who is Viraj Bahl? The entrepreneur behind Veeba’s success
Viraj Bahl is the founder of Veeba, a brand known for its range of condiments, sauces, and food products. Over the years, Veeba has grown into a ₹1,000 crore company, supplying products to major fast-food chains and retail consumers across India.
Bahl’s entrepreneurial journey:
- Before founding Veeba, Bahl had a background in food processing and supply chains.
- Veeba started as a B2B supplier for fast-food giants like McDonald’s and Domino’s.
- The company later expanded into retail, catering directly to consumers with innovative condiments.
- Today, Veeba stands as a leading brand in India’s food industry, known for its clean-label products and commitment to quality.
Unlike many traditional founders, Bahl’s leadership philosophy focuses on work-life balance and employee well-being, ensuring that Veeba employees do not work beyond 40 hours a week. His stance on the 70-hour workweek reflects this belief that sustainable businesses do not require excessive working hours to succeed.
Viraj Bahl on 70-hour workweek: The Changeincontent perspective
While some industry leaders glorify long work hours in the name of productivity, Viraj Bahl’s approach challenges this hustle-first mentality. The corporate world has long romanticised overworking as a measure of success, but research repeatedly proves that excessive working hours often result in diminishing productivity, mental burnout, and health risks.
Instead of debating how many hours people should work, the real focus should be on output, efficiency, and employee well-being. Companies that prioritise a balanced work environment attract better talent, foster innovation, and ultimately sustain long-term success.
While Bahl’s stance may not be popular among corporate giants, it does raise an essential question: How can businesses grow while still respecting employee wellness? The answer may not lie in working longer but in working smarter.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content. We broadly define inclusivity as media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
