Indians are working themselves sick and we are ourselves to blame for it

Indians are tired, exhausted, burnt-out, worn out and ready to drop.

Yes, in the dogged pursuit of that paycheck we are working ourselves sick. According to a  recently released research report by Mintel, over one in five Indians aged between 18 and 64 (22 per cent) are concerned about being tired more than anything else, including blood pressure and diabetes.

It shouldn't come as a surprise because India’s millennials put in more hours at work — 52 hours a week — than their counterparts in any other country. While the often-cited-as-example Chinese millennial works for 48 hours a week, Indians work far more than the 41 hours a week clocked by the Australian and British competition.

What's more, last year, India was the world’s fourth-most vacation-deprived nation.

But who is to be blamed for all this?

Is it the over-zealous employee who wants to get ahead of everyone or the employer whose only motto is maximising resources and minimising cost.

Well, one can't really blame the "over-zealous" worker alone because our workplaces have become extremely competitive with employers often citing a "turbulent economy" as an excuse to cut jobs.

To top it all, there are practically no standard working hours (except public sector) for employees across professions which leads to have an unbalanced lifestyle. Although most workplaces officially demand 8-9 hours a day from employees, it is often seen that the work (load) given to them is too much to finish within office hours.

Also, for professionals whose nature of job includes attending to emergencies, standard working hours are not feasible. 

While India often boasts of its rich tradition and culture, Indians show scant regard for work culture, which is why there is no option but to work hard and long hours.

So, does that mean we are doomed to work till we drop?

Well, relax and think about it! 

Also read: For a working mother, it's always a juggle between office and home