India's Work Culture: The Erosion of Sleep, the Rise of Overwork, and the Demand for Lower Salaries
India's burgeoning job market has witnessed a concerning trend in recent years: a cultural expectation for employees to sacrifice sleep, endure long working hours, and accept lower salaries than they deserve. This phenomenon is not only detrimental to the well-being of individual employees but also raises questions about the sustainability and ethicality of the nation's economic growth model. The Sleep Deficit Epidemic In India's hypercompetitive work environment, sleep deprivation has become a badge of honor. The glorification of "hustle culture" and the constant pressure to outperform peers have normalized sacrificing sleep for work. A recent study revealed that Indian professionals average 6.5 hours of sleep per night, well below the recommended 7-8 hours. This chronic sleep deficit leads to a host of physical and mental health problems, including impaired cognitive function, decreased productivity, and increased risk of chronic diseases. Several factors contri...