Over 60-hour work week could have 'adverse' health effects, warns Economic Survey 2024-25

NEW DELHI: Even as there is a raging debate on long working hours, lasting 70-90 hours work week, the Economic Survey 2024-25 on Friday said prioritising mental health in the workplace matters for overall well-being and harmonious society and can enhance worker productivity. “Hostile work cultures and excessive hours spent working at the desk can adversely affect mental well-being and ultimately put the brakes on the pace of economic growth,” it said. “In rupee terms, this translates to about ₹7,000 per day given the direct costs to human welfare and the spirit and sentiment of the nation, putting mental well-being at the centre of the economic agenda is prudent.” The report cited a survey conducted in India and said that spending long hours at one’s desk is equally detrimental to mental well-being. "While the hours spent at work are informally considered a measure of productivity, a previous study has documented adverse health effects when hours exceed 55-60 per week," the survey said, citing findings by Pega F, Nafradi B and 'A systematic analysis from the WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease and Injury'.