India has become a hub for professional opportunities with the rapidly booming economy and growing corporate sector. Growth, however, comes at a steep price, with toxic work cultures deciding the fate for several workplaces across the country. Defined by the overloads of work demands, the lack of recognition and extremely low sensitivity towards employee well-being, toxic work culture is having tremendous consequences both for the individuals and organizations. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in societal expectations, outdated corporate structures, and a relentless focus on performance metrics in the country.
Recent events have highlighted just how deep this problem runs deep. In 2023, the tragic death of a 47-year-old EY employee in Pune after working long hours sparked national outrage and conversations about workplace pressure. Similar incidents across IT firms and consultancies have brought attention to the dangerous "overtime culture" plaguing Indian offices.
Toxic work culture in India has its origins in the classic culture of equating hard work and long hours with loyalty and success. Workers are expected to be present in the workplace way beyond the official hours at the cost of jeopardizing personal time and meeting impossible deadlines. That is, even the concept for what can be called "hustle culture" mythologizes this condition and leaves open the culture of overworking as an achievement to be touted rather than a sign of disbalance. This also brings along with it the fact that job insecurity forces most working people into silence about exploitative practices, lest they lose their very means of livelihood.
Other contributors to workplace toxicity include hierarchies and micromanaging. Indian firms are used to operating with processes that are structurally rigid and highly centralized. This kind of system that relies on center management leaves little authority at the hands of the lower-level employees. Managers who are micro-managers create a culture of mistrust and no innovation or creativity can thrive in such an environment. The absence of open channels of communication alienates the workers further, as they feel unappreciated and unheard. It gets worse since many grievances cannot find a channel for redressal, and the silent suffering of wrong treatment has been the fate of most workers.
The reality is stark: junior employees in consulting firms regularly pull 14-16 hour workdays, often staying in office until 2-3 AM to meet client deadlines. IT professionals face midnight calls from overseas clients, while investment banking analysts wear their "100-hour work weeks" as badges of honor. A recent survey revealed that 67% of Indian employees work outside their designated hours, with many expected to respond to work messages even during vacations.
No work-life balance is another characteristic feature of a toxic work culture. Indian workplaces push employees to be available all the time-be it night-time emails or weekends as well. When professional and personal spheres are this close, it usually leads to chronic stress and burnouts. The COVID-19 pandemic might have popularized remote work but at the same time intensified the problem because it made it more difficult for employees to separate themselves from their jobs. This means that most of the employees stay busy and do not get to enjoy most of the time spent with their families, engage in hobbies, or even look after themselves.
The focus on "face time" rather than productivity creates absurd situations. Employees report staying late in office just to be seen, even when they've completed their work. One IT professional shared how their manager questioned their commitment because they left at 6 PM despite delivering all projects on time. Another described being reprimanded for not attending a non-urgent 11 PM call, despite having a medical emergency at home
Recognition and appreciation are also alarmingly scarce in toxic workplaces. Workers have scant little recognition for effort or the hard work they undertake in solving problems. Such an environment sparks frustration and dissatisfaction among the employees. Hard work is rarely rewarded, mistakes are outrightly condemned, thus unleashing fear and negativity. The focus on flaws rather than achievements erodes employee morale. Many talented people will simply opt to move elsewhere for the sake of better work.
The far-reaching negative impact of this toxic work culture is what makes it destructive. For an individual, its impact translates into unhealthy mental states, especially growing anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. The body suffers because of long-term stress and lack of restful sleep. Organizationally speaking, toxic culture leads to high turnover rates, decreased productivity, and harmed employer brands. Poor work cultures in companies are one of the major reasons why quality talent runs away. Companies that tend to ignore such problems suffer from compromised growth and success in the long run.
However, change is what can be expected. As people become increasingly conscious of terrible work culture situations, more and more organizations slowly and steadily realize the significance of workers' well-being. Companies can create a much healthier workplace by promoting work-life balance, open communication channels, and mental health support. On the part of managers, empathy with fairness must begin to lead so that workers are respected and valued and supported. Last but not least, societal attitudes toward work need to change from the over glamorization of burnout culture to a more balanced and humane approach to professional life.
The obsession with time over skill manifests in various ways. Companies track login hours meticulously but rarely measure actual productivity. Employees report being praised for staying late rather than for the quality of their work. As one marketing professional put it, "I could finish my work efficiently by 6 PM, but it's considered more impressive to stretch the same work until 9 PM." This mindset not only affects productivity but also discriminates against those with family responsibilities, particularly working parents.
In short, while there is immense scope for Indian corporates, it is imperative that they tackle the widespread issue of toxic work culture to unleash its full promise. Organizations can serve not only better individual lives but also improved organizational sustainability and success by focusing on the well-being of employees and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity. A healthier workplace is not just a need for employees; it is a cornerstone of a thriving economy and a compassionate society.
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