'Audit Companies for People Practices'

The debate over toxic workplaces in India revolves around a few false narratives: first, long hours of work are the cause of all the suffering for employees; second, being good and caring with people leads to low productivity; and third, you cannot be good with people and be successful as a company at the same time.

- CHANDRASEKHAR SRIPADA

Neither evidence nor experience supports these ideas.

Let’s look at long hours first. Take the case of two youngsters trying to prepare for the IIT [Indian Institute of Technology] entrance—a rather tough exam. One may be voluntarily putting in 18 hours of work a day while the other may be complaining beyond six to eight hours of work.

Investigate, and you will find the difference in attitude is explained by factors like agency, autonomy, meaning and an encouraging environment. If the youngster can set her own pace, make her own schedule, see meaning and reward in pursuing admission to an IIT and get timely resources, rewards and feedback, she will be willing to put in long hours.