Mahindra Group Chairman challenges the long-hours narrative, emphasizing balanced decisions and holistic thinking.
New Delhi, January 11: Addressing the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra offered a refreshing perspective on the ongoing debate surrounding long working hours. Mahindra emphasized that the focus should be on the quality of work, not the number of hours spent.
"I have huge respect for Narayana Murthy and others. But I think this debate is going in the wrong direction. It’s not about 48, 40, 70, or 90 hours—it’s about what you achieve in even 10 hours. Quality matters more than quantity," said Mahindra.
Liberal Arts and Holistic Thinking
Mahindra further advocated for holistic thinking and liberal arts education, suggesting that broader exposure leads to better decision-making.
"Even if you're an engineer or an MBA, you must study arts and culture. It gives you a whole brain and helps you make better decisions," he stated.
The industrialist also highlighted the importance of balance in personal life, emphasizing that time spent with family and friends, or engaging in reflective activities, contributes to better understanding and decision-making.
Work-Life Balance and the Customer Perspective
Using his own business as an example, Mahindra explained how personal experiences influence professional output.
"If you’re always in the office and not spending time with your family, how will you understand what customers want in a car? To create a family car, you need to understand family needs," he argued.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, Mahindra said, "Open your windows, let the air in. You cannot be in a tunnel all the time."
Social Media as a Business Tool
When asked about his active presence on social media platform X, Mahindra remarked, "I’m not on social media to make friends. I’m here because it’s an amazing business tool."
He added a lighthearted note about his personal life: "I love spending time with my wife. I’m not lonely; I’m here for business."
The Long Workweek Controversy
Mahindra’s comments come amidst a heated debate sparked by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who advocated for longer workweeks. Their remarks received backlash for neglecting work-life balance, prompting corporate leaders like Mahindra to emphasize efficiency and holistic approaches instead.
Rejecting the focus on hours worked, Mahindra concluded, "Ask me about the quality of my work, not how many hours I put in."
