Indian professionals and organizations are moving away from burnout-driven to more sustainable ways to work.
Remember when working 10 hours with minimal breaks was considered ambitious and hard work? Well, that is hustle at its peak.
Hustle culture is a workplace environment that emphasizes and equates long hours to being ambitious and successful. This culture might be common among start-ups and smaller companies (under the belief of better results) but the tides are changing. Professionals – and the organizations they work for – are reassessing the return on investment from relentless work. Gallup’s 2024 global workplace report revealed an alarming status – 41% of employees experienced significant stress and sought to prioritize work-life balance and mental well-being over high-paying jobs. In this article, we will look deeper into the consequences of the hustle culture and why companies are shifting to sustainable productivity.
The Why & How of Hustle Culture
The hustle culture was hit a peak in the late 90s and early 2000s – the start of internet and technology. Back then, companies like Google popularized the notion that long working hours were the means to succeed – and it was largely accepted among the working population as well, to the extent that logging off from work never existed. The pressure to stay ahead and relevant increased. The consequences? Burnout. Stress. Reduced physical health.
Hustle to Sustainability – The Shift in Workplace Culture
The traditional model (or the hustle culture) believed in quantity over quality – the more hours invested, the better output. As the hustle increased, “quiet quitting” also surfaced – not as a sign of disengagement but as a response to unrealistic work expectations.
The shift to sustainable productivity may be a personal choice but it also requires support from the organization to make it possible. A shift in culture does not mean a drop in performance; it focuses on long-term productivity and individual well-being. The idea of success and achievement is redefined by the younger generations, particularly the millennials and Gen-Z. Their focus is more on the quality of work and well-being than participating in the corporate race.
Smart work > Hard work: The Future
Companies looking to shift from hustle to sustainability can consider:
- Set work time boundaries and ensure to disconnect after work.
- Redefine productivity with outcome-driven KPIs.
- Invest in employee wellness through training programs.
- Offer flexibility for employees to structure their work around performances.
As the hustle narrative fades, it’s being intentional about workplace culture. Employees continue to be ambitious but without giving up on their health. The future of the workplace belongs to those who work smarter without burning out! How is your organization managing the hustle culture? Write to us at: info@avtarinc.in
