The more you work, the less you produce in your extra hours on the job

ByMazharul Islam

Mihir Sharma, in his Bloomberg opinion piece, argues that the Indian workforce, despite putting in significantly longer hours than their Chinese counterparts (an average of 60 hours per week compared to China’s 45), is not seeing commensurate increases in productivity. This observation highlights a crucial point: simply working longer hours does not necessarily translate to greater output. In fact, overworking can lead to diminished returns, as fatigue and burnout can significantly impact a worker’s efficiency and creativity.

Sharma emphasizes that the key to economic progress lies not in the sheer number of hours worked, but in improving worker productivity. This involves optimizing work processes, investing in employee training and development, and fostering a work environment that encourages innovation and creativity. An overworked nation, he argues, will lack the energy and mental bandwidth for continuous learning and the development of new ideas, both of which are critical for sustained economic growth.

Essentially, Sharma advocates for a shift in focus from “working longer” to “working smarter.” By prioritizing efficiency, innovation, and employee well-being, India can unlock its true potential and achieve higher levels of economic productivity.