Veeba Founder Viraj Bahl Rejects 70-Hour Workweek, Calls It “Outdated” and “Unfair”
3 min read
In a bold and refreshing stance against the corporate norm, Viraj Bahl, the founder of Veeba, has publicly rejected the concept of a 70-hour workweek, calling it “crazy” and unfair to employees. His remarks, made in a recent podcast appearance, have sparked conversation about work culture and the increasing pressure on employees to sacrifice their time for the sake of productivity.
A Defiant Stand Against Overwork
Bahl, speaking on The Rockford Circle podcast with host Chitrangada Singh, didn’t mince words when discussing the concept of extended work hours. In his opinion, it is acceptable for founders to work long hours—up to 70 hours a week—since they stand to gain the most commercially from their ventures. However, he was quick to point out that expecting employees to follow the same grueling schedule is both unreasonable and unfair.
“It is okay for a founder to work 70 hours because he is the biggest commercial gainer out of it,” Bahl said. “But to expect your team to do the same? Crazy.”
Fair Compensation for Extra Hours
Bahl’s main argument against the 70-hour workweek revolves around the lack of proportional compensation for employees. According to him, employees should not be expected to put in excessive hours unless they are adequately compensated for the additional effort. His stance challenges the prevailing corporate culture in many companies, where long hours are often equated with hard work and success.
In contrast to this industry-wide expectation, Veeba has taken a different approach. The company has recently reduced the working hours for its employees to a more balanced 40-hour workweek. This move reflects Bahl’s commitment to ensuring a healthier work-life balance for his team, prioritizing well-being and efficiency over sheer hours spent at the office.
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A Clash with Industry Norms
Bahl’s comments stand in stark contrast to those of other prominent business leaders, particularly Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys. In 2023, Murthy made headlines by advocating for a 70-hour workweek, suggesting that it was necessary to boost India’s productivity. Murthy’s statement ignited a heated debate, with some corporate figures supporting the idea of longer work hours, arguing that they are essential to achieving success in the competitive business environment.
However, Bahl’s perspective reflects a shift in thinking, especially as work culture continues to evolve. “Expecting someone to work 70 hours without an equity upside is outdated,” he said, labeling the long-hours mentality as “obsolete.” His rejection of this notion signals a growing recognition of the need for a more balanced and fair approach to work.
A New Era for Corporate India?
As the debate about work hours continues, Bahl’s stance offers a hopeful glimpse into a future where employee well-being is prioritized over overwork. His approach challenges the traditional expectations of corporate India, advocating for a more sustainable work culture that values efficiency, innovation, and employee happiness rather than hours clocked.
For now, Bahl’s decision to reduce working hours at Veeba stands as a bold example of how businesses can thrive without relying on excessive work schedules. His remarks serve as a breath of fresh air in an industry where overwork is often glorified and productivity is measured by time spent at the desk rather than results achieved.
Conclusion
Viraj Bahl’s rejection of the 70-hour workweek is more than just a personal opinion; it is a challenge to an entire industry that has long valued long hours over work-life balance. As companies like Veeba take the lead in redefining what it means to work efficiently, Bahl’s message is clear: it’s time to move beyond outdated practices and create a corporate culture that truly values its employees.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times
