Does India have a 4 Day Work Week?
4 Day Week Global National Partner for India, Shuchi Singh, examines the prospects of introducing a 4 day work week trial to India.
In the heart of India, amidst bustling cities and vibrant communities, a quiet revolution is brewing—one that challenges traditional work paradigms and champions a new era of flexibility and balance.
Welcome to the 4 day workweek movement in India, where a 4 day workweek appears both tempting and elusive—a dream amidst the complexities of our socio-economic fabric.
Unraveling the Challenges faced by India’s 4 day work week
In a country teeming with diversity and dynamism, the road to a 4 day workweek is fraught with obstacles at every turn. From regulatory hurdles to deeply entrenched work norms, the very fabric of our work culture resists change, clinging to the familiar rhythms of the 9-to-5 grind.
In India, labor regulations vary significantly across states and industries, creating a patchwork of policies that can be difficult to navigate. Without clear guidelines on flexible work arrangements like the 4 day workweek, organizations may hesitate to embrace such initiatives due to legal uncertainties and compliance risks.
Labor laws which act as barriers to the 4 day week in India
As per the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code of 2020, the manufacturing sector is restricted from exceeding the prescribed eight-hour working limit for employees. Considering these regulations and the nature of tasks involved, implementing a 4 day workweek in such industries may not be feasible. These sectors demand continuous supervision and attention, making it challenging for them to function effectively under a condensed work schedule.
Similarly, companies operating under the Factories Act may encounter obstacles in adopting a 4 day workweek, as they are bound by regulations prohibiting employees from working more than nine hours per day or exceeding 48 hours per week. Nonetheless, embracing the new labor codes and standards could introduce much-needed transparency, particularly in organized sectors where employees often work extended shifts of 12 hours or more.
Lack of regulations of these unpaid worked hours beyond the required working hours and sometimes beyond the working days can also divert the optimism away from a 4 day workweek concept.
How Cultural Dynamics and Work Ethos might affect India’s 4 day work week
In a society where hard work is revered and dedication is synonymous with success, the notion of shorter workweeks can seem counterintuitive. The prevailing work ethos values long hours and unwavering commitment—a sentiment echoed in boardrooms and cubicles across the nation.
Recent articles in leading publications shed light on the cultural dynamics at play, with discussions in the Information Technology (IT) industry around the need for rather a 70-hours week in a country where outcomes often take precedence over productivity or work-life balance.
The pressure to chase high GDP growth rates in a bustling working population adds another layer of complexity to the conversation, making the shift towards shorter workweeks seem like a distant ideal rather than an immediate reality.
How India might approach a 4 day work week - Operational Realities
For many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the transition to a 4 day workweek presents logistical challenges that cannot be overlooked. From workforce management to client expectations, the operational complexities loom large, casting shadows of doubt on the feasibility of such a radical shift. For larger businesses, it is more a challenge of fighting the traditional mindset than lack of resources.
Sentiment of Indian workers regarding their future of work
Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there are whispers of change—faint echoes of possibility that give hope.
"I dedicate five days of my week working towards company objectives and meeting deliverables. Having an additional day, beyond the typical weekend, allows me to indulge in my hobbies and personal interests. My company has implemented a 4 day workweek once every month, and even that has helped me travel more and focus on things in life that are important beyond work. It is one of the biggest reasons why I choose to stay in my current company," expressed a 32-year-old employee at an edtech firm.
With each passing day, the seeds of progress are sown, nurtured by the collective efforts of trailblazers who dare to dream of a brighter, more balanced future- uniquely led more by the demands of a younger workforce, than an industry wide resolution, at this point of time.
What India’s 4 day week trial foresees
As we embark on the journey towards a 4 day workweek in India, our vision extends far beyond mere experimentation. We foresee a future where work-life balance is not just a luxury but a fundamental right—a reality that empowers employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
In our pursuit of this vision, we are actively reaching out to small to medium-sized companies, inviting them to join us in pioneering the 4 day workweek trial. Through collaboration and partnership, we aim to create a diverse ecosystem of organizations committed to redefining work culture and prioritizing employee well-being.
While the implementation of pilot programs may seem straightforward, the real challenge lies in convincing businesses of the transformative potential of a 4 day workweek. In a country where long working hours are deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric, shifting mindsets requires patience, perseverance, and persuasive communication.
Fortunately, India's workforce is remarkably digitally equipped, making the implementation of pilot programs relatively seamless. With access to cutting-edge technology and digital platforms, organizations have the tools they need to adapt to new work arrangements and embrace innovative solutions.
As we navigate the complexities of this journey, we remain steadfast in our commitment to driving positive change and fostering a culture of well-being and productivity. If you are interested in partnering with us, you can reach out to our local partner in India.
How can I contribute to the 4 day week movement?
So, how can we ensure the 4 day work week becomes routine over radical? We’re a non-profit organization looking to bring the 4 day week to as many people across the globe as possible. Our goal is to create a million years of new free time through 4 day week trials and transitions.
Would you like to sponsor us on this journey? Donate as little as $2 per month to become a part of this movement for a 4 Day World.
How can I improve my business with a 4 day week?
We offer support for businesses looking to make the shift to reduced-hour working in several ways:
1. Our Foundation Course
Our Foundation Course is designed for business leaders, consultants and entrepreneurs looking to understand how to implement a 4 day week in their organization, or to support the implementation of one in another organization.
We teach you through six video lecture modules, using the 100-80-100™ model.
2. Our Pilot Programs
We run 4 day week pilots using the 100-80-100™ principle across the globe. You can trial a 4 day week alongside other organizations in your geography. There are many pilots happening in various countries across the world.
Sign up here to register your interest in being a part of one of our pilots and we will let you know when the pilot in your country is kicking off! Alternatively, we have two global pilots happening in 2024, in March and September.
3. One-on-One Consulting
This is for larger organizations who want bespoke one-on-one support throughout the 4 day week planning and implementation process. We will provide you with world-leading experts in reducing working hours to help you on this journey.