The reality of work and its different prisms

(Steve Correa & Ronald D’Souza)

Numerous discussions have recently emphasised the need for India and its citizens to work longer hours (70 to 90 hours compared to the standard 40-hour week in the West). Some credible reports suggest that expectations for hard work are rising, whereas others may be exaggerated or presented humorously.

To illustrate this point, I shall share a couple of anecdotes. At a consulting firm’s all-hands meeting, the managing partner compellingly responded to a question about expectations for hard work: “We expect people to work hard, but the level of effort is individual. However, working harder does increase your chances of success.”

Consider the remarks made by recent CEOs from companies such as Infosys, L&T, and the Bombay Shaving Company. While the insights shared by Infosys and L&T captured attention on social media, they lacked memorability. In contrast, the CEO of BSC urged those who are “privileged” to reflect on the challenges faced by those with fewer resources, stating, “Life is exceptionally tough for most. Very few can change that reality. Many carry invisible burdens yet maintain smiles despite their struggles. If you’re privileged, be kind and generous to uplift as many as possible.”

Here’s an illustrative story: A co-author visited the Mettaa Foot Spa on Hill Road in Bandra for a foot massage. The session commenced at around 7:20 PM, and during a conversation with the masseur, he discovered that the masseur had been working there for about a year and resides in Ulhasnagar. If the massage concludes around 8:15 PM and he departs soon after, he intends to catch the 8:55 pm train from Dadar, arriving home around 11:30 PM. This individual spends six hours commuting for an eight-hour workday, resulting in nearly 70 weekly work hours, including travel time. Many like him likely also work on weekends. How does this relate to ongoing discussions about mental health and work-life balance?

Once, a union leader at a large PSU told consultants: “Our responsibility is to come to work; it’s your responsibility to ensure that we complete work.” It’s a double-edged sword; he was equating attendance with work while also suggesting that the work needs to be engaging, or else employees lose interest over time.

The UK unemployment rate is approximately 4.3%, with 1.51 million individuals aged 16 and over currently unemployed. In the past year, unemployment levels rose by about 110,000, and the unemployment rate also increased. Statistics are likely to be similar in other Western European countries, where young people often struggle to find work even when they seek employment. Some individuals virtually live daily, for example, restaurant waiters and others in similar roles.

We can categorize the workforce into groups.

Firstly, there are individuals, such as the managing partner, who believe that hard work results in success. They devote their time and energy to improving their professional skills while looking after their mental well-being.

The second group comprises organisations that impose strong expectations regarding hard work, frequently resulting in a disconnect between corporate and personal goals, which leads to employee frustration.

The third group consists of people capable of contributing and making a difference but choose not to. We should consider retired people in this group. What is a 60-year-old doing watching Netflix at home?

Finally, some workers, such as the masseur, feel compelled to devote themselves fully to their jobs. They endure long hours and are often simply grateful to have employment. Their commitment is evident as they invest their energy into work, frequently well into the night.

Discussions about mental health resonate with many white-collar workers on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. However, the majority—those not on these platforms and engaged in manual labour —lead lives defined by necessity, often lacking the luxury of choice.

Echoing a sentiment shared by the CEO of L&T, one cannot spend an entire day merely observing one’s wife, nor can the masseur. Even if he could, he cannot, as he is blind and unable to see.

An alternative perspective

Now, let’s consider another perspective: could meaningful work be the source of lasting joy? Someone once stated, " The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, love, and hope for.” Imagine a world devoid of meaning without a person’s occupation!

Few realise that work can be a form of worship. They also understand how vital it is to engage in something productive; without it, we might find ourselves lost in anxious future thoughts or nostalgic memories.

Happiness is not about pursuit; it is a state of being. Remember the well-known saying that ‘the journey is more exciting than the destination’? Work enables us to engage our minds, hearts, and inner strengths to fulfil our potential.

When work is present, health, wealth, and relationships flourish. These factors alone do not guarantee happiness. Work does. Keeping our inner currents active at work, being present, and adopting a meditative mindset while working is the essence of happiness. Even in physical labour, one often stops overthinking. Show me someone who loves their work, and I will show you 'samadhi in action.”

Unsurprisingly, the great scripture, The Gita, urges us to "focus on doing, and the deserving will follow.”

To all our readers, continue working enthusiastically and keep moving ahead!

Published on Medium as well: https://medium.com/@stevecorrea.com/the-reality-of-work-and-its-different-prisms-steve-correa-ronald-dsouza-bfefb9fee9cd