
Anand Mahindra's Perspective on Work-Life Balance
At the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025' in New Delhi, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra addressed the ongoing debate over work-hour expectations. He emphasized the importance of quality of work over quantity, advocating for it as the cornerstone for achieving a developed India.
Mahindra disagreed with recent comments by industry leaders suggesting extended work hours. He stated, "I have huge respect for Narayana Murthy and other corporate leaders. My point is that we have to focus on the quality of work, not on the quantity of work. So it's not about 70 or 90 hours at work."
He stressed the importance of output over the number of hours logged. "You can change the world in 10 hours," he noted, reiterating that productivity and innovation stem from effective use of time rather than sheer duration.
When asked about his own work habits, Mahindra declined to quantify his hours, saying, "I don't want it to be about the time. I don't want it to be about quantity. Ask me what's the quality of my work. Don't ask me how many hours I work."
Mahindra's perspective aligns with the growing conversation around work-life balance, which intensified after L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan suggested a 90-hour workweek, including Sundays, as a benchmark for extraordinary results. Subrahmanyan's remarks drew criticism from various individuals, including Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and RPG Group Chairperson Harsh Goenka. L&T later clarified that Subrahmanyan's comments were intended to inspire extraordinary efforts for nation-building, not to set a rigid standard.
Mahindra finds interactions with young people to be a source of renewal. He expressed his appreciation for the energy and ideas presented at the dialogue, stating, "My batteries are fully charged after today's event."
The 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue,' organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, provides a platform for young leaders to propose innovative solutions for India's development. Reimagined from the National Youth Festival, the event has garnered significant attention for fostering dialogue on national progress.