The discussion on work-life balance has been reignited. The recent statements by the Capgemini CEO on work-life balance are setting a bold example. Ashwin Yardi’s stance against excessive work hours and weekend emails challenges the deeply ingrained hustle culture in corporate India. At a time when some industry leaders push for a 70-90 hour workweek, Capgemini India’s policies advocate for efficiency over exhaustion. It is a refreshing shift in the corporate mindset.
Work-life balance: The current state
According to an ILO report, 51% of employees clock more than 49 hours a week, making India one of the most overworked countries globally. To make matters worse, many industry leaders have been advocating for even longer hours, with some pushing for a gruelling 70-90-hour workweek. Demands for better work-life balance are growing. However, they remain overshadowed by the glorification of nonstop hustle.
Not everyone is on board with this toxic work culture, though. Recently, IT services company Capgemini India’s CEO, Ashwin Yardi, proposed a 47-hour workweek and urged a no-email policy on weekends. His perspective offered a much-needed alternative to the extreme work hours endorsed by industry veterans like Narayana Murthy, who supported a 70-hour workweek, and L&T’s chairman, who advocated an even longer 90-hour workweek.
Capgemini CEO on work-life balance: No weekend emails, no excessive work hours
“Forty-seven and a half hours. We have about nine hours a day and five days a week,” said Capgemini India CEO Ashwin Yardi at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum. When asked about the ideal workweek, he made it clear that excessive hours aren’t the answer.
Yardi stressed that unless an issue can actually be resolved over the weekend, there is no reason to bombard employees with emails. “My guiding principle for the last four years is don’t send an email on the weekend, even if it is an escalation unless you know you can solve it on a weekend,” he said.
Of course, he admitted that he sometimes works on weekends. But unlike many corporate leaders who believe their employees should mirror their schedules, he refrains from dragging others into the grind. “There is no point in giving grief to an employee, knowing well that the work cannot be done on a weekend,” he noted.
Adapt to young workers’ needs – Capgemini CEO on work-life balance
Speaking about the evolving workforce, he stressed the importance of adapting to their expectations. “Given the demographic profile of IT workers, organisations must align with what younger employees want,” he said.
At Capgemini, that means more than just annual reviews and occasional feedback sessions. The company has introduced quarterly promotion cycles, frequent employee surveys, and apparent career growth plans to keep employees motivated. “We conduct six-week employee surveys to stay updated on what our workforce needs,” Yardi explained. These efforts, according to him, are not just about retention. They are about making sure employees see a future within the company.
Work smarter, not longer: Leaders push back on overwork culture
At the same event, Nasscom Chairperson and SAP India head Sindhu Gangadharan highlighted that results matter more than long hours. Marico CEO Saugata Gupta also shared a similar view but confessed to sometimes sending emails as late as 11 PM.
Meanwhile, Veeba founder Viraj Bahl didn’t hold back on The Rockford Circle podcast, calling the 70-hour workweek “batsh**t crazy” and outdated. Instead of glorifying endless workdays, Veeba has officially reduced its employees’ weekly working hours to 40.
Some business leaders are starting to prioritise efficiency over excessive work hours, recognising that productivity isn’t about clocking in more time. However, the overall workplace culture still heavily leans toward long hours and constant availability. Many companies continue to glorify overwork, making real change slow.
While a few leaders are setting better examples, many companies haven’t caught up yet.
The final thoughts
Employees, especially younger professionals, value work-life balance more than ever. They no longer see long hours as a badge of honour but as a sign of poor management. That is why Ashwin Yardi’s stance has drawn widespread appreciation. Many see it as a much-needed shift toward a healthier corporate environment. More leaders must follow the example of those challenging toxic work norms.
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 marginalised individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
