According to International Labour Organization (ILO), India has emerged as one of the most overworked countries globally. 

Key findings of ILO

• After Bhutan, India has ranked second for share of employed working 49 or more hours per week (51% in India). 
• Pacific Island nations like Vanuatu, Kiribati and Micronesia with average 24.7, 27.3, and 30.4 working hours per week.
  • Average working hours per week in India are around 46.7 hours. 

Factors contributing to lack of work-life balance 

• Remote work: Technology and Covid-19 pandemic provided impetus to work from home, resulting in indefinite working hours.
• Gender bias in family responsibilities: Only 32% of women reported maintaining work-life balance (IIM-A).
• Industry's focus on counting hours rather than measuring productivity.
• Informal Economy: More uneven distribution of hours of work.

Impact of long working hours

• Health: Increased working hours comes with higher risk of stroke, stress and affects mental well-being.
• Productivity: Enterprises experience negative externalities, including lower productivity levels and absenteeism.
• Social impact: Less engagement in community and civic life. 

Steps that can be taken for work-life balance

• Limit working hours like a 40-hour workweek in Iceland, Spain, the UK, etc. and promote wellness programs. 
• Right to Disconnect: Countries like France and Australia have introduced right to refuse work-related contact outside working hours.