Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, recently addressed the ongoing debate about a 90-hour work week. He emphasised the importance of quality over quantity in work. Speaking at the National Youth Festival, Mahindra stated, “Focus on the quality of work and not on the quantity, as one can change the world in 10 hours.”

Quality Over Quantity in Work

Mahindra’s comments came amid controversy sparked by Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. Subrahmanyan had advocated for a 90-hour work week, questioning how long one could “stare at your wife” while suggesting employees give up Sundays. Mahindra responded by highlighting that the debate should focus on work quality rather than hours spent working.

He further elaborated on his perspective by saying, “It’s not about 40 hours, it’s not about 70 hours, it’s not about 90 hours. What output are you doing? Even if it’s 10 hours, you can change the world in 10 hours.” Mahindra stressed the need for leaders who make wise decisions and choices.

The Role of Holistic Thinking

Mahindra also highlighted the importance of holistic thinking and exposure to diverse inputs. He believes that understanding arts and culture can lead to better decision-making. “You make better decisions when you have a whole brain,” he said, stressing the value of being informed about various subjects.

He pointed out that spending time with family and friends is crucial for making informed decisions. “If you’re not spending time at home, if you’re not spending time with friends… how will you bring the right inputs into making a decision?” he asked.

Work-Life Balance Debate

The discussion around work-life balance has been ongoing, with figures like Gautam Adani weighing in. Adani mentioned that work-life balance is subjective and should not be imposed on others. He reportedly said, “Your idea of work-life balance should not be imposed on me, and my idea shouldn’t be imposed on you.”

Last year, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy suggested that young people should be ready to work 70 hours a week. His comments stirred debate online and received support from Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal.

Social Media as a Business Tool

Addressing his social media presence, Mahindra clarified that he uses it as a business tool rather than for personal reasons. He explained, “I’m on X on social media not because I’m lonely… My wife is wonderful. I love staring at her.” Mahindra values social media for its ability to provide feedback from millions of people.

In conclusion, Mahindra’s remarks highlight the need to prioritise quality in work while maintaining a balanced life. His views contribute to the broader conversation about how individuals and companies approach work-life balance in today’s fast-paced world.