Former Amazon Employee’s Post Fuels Work Culture Debate as India Tops Global Working Hours
In a recent LinkedIn post, former Amazon senior manager Adam Broda ignited a discussion on work culture in India, revealing that many technical team members in Bengaluru routinely clock over 60 hours a week. Broda’s observations come as India was ranked highest globally for average working hours, with employees working an average of 56 hours weekly.
Understanding the Work Culture
Broda shared a heatmap illustrating the long working hours in various countries, with India leading the chart. He noted, “At Amazon, I worked hard; some weeks I’d work 60+ hrs – but never as many as our team members in India.” He highlighted that Indian employees were often online at all hours, from early morning meetings to evening review calls.
The Normalization of Long Hours
Surprisingly, Broda observed that most Indian team members were content with their extensive hours, treating the 60-hour work week as standard. He cautioned fellow managers to check in on their teams across different time zones, emphasizing that just because employees are willing to work long hours doesn’t mean they should.
Netizens React
Broda’s post sparked a vigorous debate online. Critics pointed out the normalization of excessive work hours, with some suggesting that companies hire from India due to lower costs. Alan Stein, a former employee at Google, Salesforce, and Meta, remarked that Indian talent is often sought because it is more affordable—about 25% of the cost of US labor—yet they work diligently without complaints.
Others, like Anil Batra, CEO of Optizent, stressed the importance of understanding the financial situations and backgrounds of employees before judging the work culture in India. He emphasized the need to consider various factors, including age, family obligations, and overall economic context.
Conclusion
The ongoing discourse surrounding work culture in India highlights the complex dynamics of long working hours. As companies navigate these challenges, platforms like Looffers.com can provide valuable insights into creating a healthier work environment, emphasizing the need for balance and well-being in the workplace.
