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Controversy erupts as Indian-American CEO advocates for 14-hour workdays
Daksh Gupta, CEO of Greptile in San Francisco, sparked controversy by revealing employees work long hours.
Office stock image / Pexels
Daksh Gupta, Indian-American CEO of the AI startup Greptile, San Francisco, recently sparked controversy by revealing that employees at his company are expected to work over 14 hours a day.
Gupta defended his approach, stating that a small group of employees enjoys working long hours. He also emphasized that his recruitment process is completely transparent, ensuring that only candidates who are comfortable with such a demanding work environment are hired. By being upfront about expectations, Gupta believes employees are aware of what they’re signing up for and are less likely to face dissatisfaction later.
Working hours have become one of the most debated topics in the global workforce. The trend of long working hours often reflects the pressure for higher productivity, with some companies pushing for extended workdays, while others emphasize the need for a healthy work-life balance.
In the USA, blue-collar workers in construction, manufacturing, and transportation typically work 40-50 hours per week, with some industries requiring 50-60 hours, especially in shift work. White-collar workers, in office roles, usually work 40-45 hours per week, with occasional overtime.
Globally, Bhutan leads the world in average working hours, with employees putting in an average of 54.4 hours per week. The United Arab Emirates follows closely with 50.9 hours, and Lesotho comes in third at 50.4 hours. India ranks 13th among the most overworked countries, with workers logging long hours in various sectors.
Indian blue-collar workers, especially the labor-intensive industries typically work between 48-54 hours per week, usually on a 6-day workweek with 8-9 hour shifts.
White-collar workers, typically work 45-50 hours a week. While many have a 5-day, 9-hour schedule, peak seasons or tight deadlines may require additional hours.
Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, had stirred a controversy in September 2024, with his statement advocating for employees to work 70 hours a week, claiming it was necessary for the nation’s progress. His comment sparked a wave of criticism, with many questioning the sustainability of such long hours in today’s work culture.
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