A LinkedIn put up by Shivam Dubey, a Expertise Acquisition Coordinator at a tech agency, has sparked a wide-ranging dialog about India’s office mindset round depart, day off, and burnout. Contrasting his expertise in India with a colleague’s in Europe, Dubey questioned why Indian professionals usually really feel responsible for taking even brief breaks, whereas in lots of Western contexts, day off is solely accepted and revered.
“In Europe, my colleague took a 3-week trip. No questions. No follow-ups. Simply: ‘Take pleasure in your break!'” Dubey wrote. “In India, I took 2 days off. First query: ‘What occurred?’ Second: ‘Will you be out there on name?'”
The put up, which resonated with hundreds on-line, highlighted how cultural attitudes, not HR insurance policies, usually dictate how day off is perceived within the Indian office.
“It’s not about insurance policies. It’s about mindset. Depart shouldn’t be a favour. It’s a proper. Relaxation shouldn’t be laziness. It’s restoration. And burnout shouldn’t be regular,” Dubey added. “Let’s construct a piece tradition the place individuals can take a break — with out concern.”
Dubey’s name for cultural change touched a nerve, particularly amongst youthful professionals and early-career staff.
One consumer commented, “In my view, that is taking place on the brisker stage and it’s impacting their mindset. When the brisker turns into senior, he’s additionally exhibiting the identical reflection, and the pattern goes on.”
One other consumer echoed the sentiment bluntly: “So true. Day off shouldn’t want justification, it’s a fundamental want, not a bonus. We have to transfer from hustle tradition to a more healthy mindset the place relaxation is revered and burnout isn’t worn like a badge. Properly-rested groups do higher. Interval.”
A number of responses pointed to on a regular basis examples of how overwork will get normalised. “If we do not reply calls on Sunday, we’re anticipated to supply a proof on Monday,” one particular person wrote. One other noticed, “The idea of work-life steadiness is I feel too obscure within the Indian business.”
The viral response to Dubey’s put up suggests {that a} bigger shift could also be underway, one the place Indian professionals are not content material to equate fixed availability with dedication, or burnout with success.
However as many feedback highlighted, the change should start with management and office norms: unlearning the tradition of “at all times on,” and recognising that relaxation shouldn’t be a weak point, however a prerequisite for sustainable efficiency.
