BrewDog founder attacks concept of work-life balance

The founder and former boss of BrewDog has said that the concept of a work-life balance is one invented by those unhappy with their own careers and that people should instead aim to achieve "work-life integration".

- KARL MATCHETT

James Watt, who co-founded the trendy beer brand in 2007, said that Britain is one of the "least work-oriented countries in the world” as he suggested that people should end their obsession with “work-life balance”.

In May 2024, Mr Watt stepped down from the day-to-day running of the beer-brewing company after 17 years at the helm. He retains his shareholding in the organisation and has a nonexecutive role of “captain and co-founder”.

At the time of his departure, he said he planned to take time off with family and friends, as well as dedicate “some more time to my other business interests”.

Prior to this, several former staff members had jointly signed a letter alleging “toxic attitudes” in the workplace and that Mr Watt and co-founder Martin Dickie had overseen a “culture of fear”.