The Debate On Long Working Hours

-- What fuels extraordinary achievements: passion or pressure? Some of humanity’s greatest innovations emerged from relentless commitment—long hours spent chasing a vision. But what happens when those hours are driven by compulsion instead of purpose? This isn't just about work; it's about what drives us, what holds us back, and what truly defines success. Want to know how innovation, psychology, and purpose intersect in the debate over long hours? The answer might change the way you view work forever.

A quiet storm is brewing in workplaces worldwide, and at its centre lies a seemingly polarising yet straightforward question: Should long working hours be the norm? Across boardrooms, break rooms, and social media threads, this debate has taken on a life of its own. Are long hours a sign of dedication and passion, or are they the modern-day equivalent of slavery cloaked in corporate jargon? This article attempts to delve into the heart of the matter, exploring the necessity and the controversy surrounding long working hours. With historical evidence, psychological insights, and a call for purpose-driven organisations, let’s unpack this layered topic together.

A History of Innovation: The Long Hours That Shaped Our World

Undoubtedly, some of humanity’s most remarkable achievements were fueled by relentless dedication—often requiring long, gruelling hours. The Boeing 747, a marvel of engineering that revolutionised air travel, was born from the sweat and sleepless nights of engineers who refused to rest until their vision took flight. Similarly, NASA’s Apollo missions, which landed humans on the Moon, demanded extraordinary commitment. These were not mere jobs but missions of passion, purpose, and progress.

Closer to home in India, the story of ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) resonates deeply. Scientists worked tirelessly, often sacrificing personal time, to place India among the spacefaring elite—and all on a shoestring budget. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam’s accounts of the Satellite Launch Vehicle project are equally inspiring, with teams driven by an unwavering sense of national pride and innovation.

Even in fields like sports, long hours have often been the hallmark of excellence. Think of Sachin Tendulkar, who spent countless hours at the nets perfecting his craft. His unmatched preparation made him rise to the occasion repeatedly, becoming a legend.

These examples illuminate the undeniable role of long hours in achieving greatness. But—and this is a significant but—there’s another side to this story.

When Long Hours Become a Burden

The sheen of inspiration often dims when long hours aren’t fueled by purpose but by compulsion. Over time, the concept of hard work has morphed into something more insidious. For many, it’s no longer about passion or dedication but survival in a profit-driven world. The line between commitment and exploitation blurs when employees are forced to clock in extra hours to meet arbitrary KPIs.

This shift is rooted in a cocktail of systemic issues. The corporatisation of labour has turned workplaces into machines, prioritising output over people. Profit at all costs has become the mantra, leading to a disillusioned workforce. Employees who once dreamt of contributing to meaningful projects now feel bogged down by tasks detached from their values and aspirations.

Educational institutions also bear some responsibility. They promise lucrative careers as the ultimate goal, reducing success to a salary figure or a job title. Rarely do they inspire students to think about the meaning of life or the joy of pursuing one’s passion. This societal conditioning leaves many chasing societal tick marks— a stable job, a house, and a “reputable” life — while their true desires languish as mere hobbies.

The Psychology of Misalignment

Why do long hours feel like a punishment for some and a calling for others? The answer lies in human psychology. Long hours don't feel burdensome when people’s work aligns with their intrinsic motivation—their passions and values. This is explained by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Theory, which shows that individuals enter a state of optimal performance when deeply engaged in tasks they love.

On the flip side, when work is purely extrinsically motivated—done for a paycheck or societal approval—it feels disconnected and draining. Self-determination theory supports this, emphasising the importance of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in fostering motivation. Without these elements, long hours become a source of stress, leading to burnout, dissatisfaction, and even physical ailments.

Furthermore, trust plays a crucial role. In today’s corporate world, major layoffs, profit-at-all-cost strategies, and scandals have eroded employee trust in organisations. When people see their efforts lining corporate pockets without corresponding care for their well-being, long hours take on the semblance of modern slavery.

Building Purpose-Driven Organizations

So, what’s the alternative? The answer lies in creating organisations that are people-centric and purpose-driven. Companies that attract individuals aligned with their mission don’t need to mandate long hours—those hours come naturally. History’s most extraordinary innovations weren’t achieved through force but through shared passion and vision.

Purpose-driven organisations need a different playbook. They must prioritise:

• Aligning Purpose with Personal Goals: Employees should see how their work contributes to a larger mission while fulfilling their aspirations.
• Empowering Autonomy: Trust employees to manage their time and work in ways that best suit their strengths and passions.
• Fostering Engagement: Create environments where people feel valued and connected to their work.
• Redefining Success: Move beyond profit metrics to include employee well-being, societal impact, and long-term value creation.

Imagine a workplace where long hours aren’t dreaded but embraced—not out of obligation, but because employees are genuinely invested in the mission. This is the promise of purposeful organisations.

A Call for Balance

While long hours have undoubtedly contributed to many of humanity’s achievements, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Leaders must recognise that what works for a select few driven by a burning passion may not apply to everyone. It’s time to rethink how we define work and success.

Long hours should be a choice, not a mandate. When driven by purpose, they can lead to extraordinary outcomes. However, when imposed, they risk alienating the very people organisations depend on. The future of work isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter, with purpose and alignment at the core.

As we navigate this debate, one truth emerges: the hours we spend working matter far less than the reasons we choose to work in the first place

About Us

Stratacom is more than a consulting firm; it is a purpose-driven partner dedicated to aligning businesses with meaningful missions. At Stratacom, we believe that true innovation and sustained success emerge when organizations connect their goals with their core purpose. By fostering environments where people are empowered and inspired, we help companies transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

Through our expertise in purpose activation, employee experience, customer engagement, and strategic marketing, we work alongside visionary leaders to craft bespoke strategies that align with their values and aspirations. At Stratacom, it's not just about driving profits—it's about making an impact. Join us as we redefine the future of work, one purpose at a time.