Say no to marriage, kids if you work 70 hours a week: Shark Tank India judge joins debate with bold ‘advice’

​In a recent discussion that has ignited conversations about work-life balance, Namita Thapar, Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and a judge on Shark Tank India, offered candid advice to professionals clocking in 70-hour workweeks.

In a talk with Humans of Bombay, she suggested that individuals with such demanding schedules should reconsider commitments like marriage and having children, highlighting the potential neglect of family life. ​

Balancing Professional Ambitions and Personal Life

Thapar emphasized that working extensive hours leaves minimal time for family, which can lead to strained relationships and mental health challenges for children due to absentee parenting. She questioned the feasibility of dedicating quality time to a spouse or child when the majority of one's week is consumed by work and minimal sleep. ​

“70 hours a week, and then you are putting in another 30-40 hours a week. The rest of the time, you have to get a little bit of sleep. What time are you going to give your little baby or even a spouse who chose to be a homemaker to take care of the baby?” she said.

Corporate Responsibility in Managing Work Hours

Addressing organizational practices, Thapar acknowledged that while high-level executives might need to invest more time, it's crucial for companies to set reasonable work limits for their employees.

Thapar cautioned against normalizing a constant 70-hour workweek, advocating for a balanced approach to prevent employee burnout and ensure well-being. ​

Public Reaction

Meanwhile, her remarks have sparked diverse reactions on social media. Some users praised her for addressing the critical issue of work-life balance, agreeing that excessive work hours can lead to family neglect.

Conversely, others argued that such an outlook might imply that professionals in demanding fields, like healthcare, should avoid family life, which they believe is neither practical nor fair. 

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The Broader Implications of Extended Work Hours

Meanwhile, research indicates that prolonged work hours can adversely affect mental and physical health, leading to increased stress, sleep disturbances, and strained family relationships.

The World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization reported that in 2016, over 745,000 people died from heart disease and stroke linked to working more than 55 hours per week.

Additionally, studies have shown that long working hours can lead to work-family conflicts, contributing to depression and other stress-related health issues. ​