New Delhi: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding work-life balance and the notion of putting in longer working hours, as suggested by some corporate leaders. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 in the national capital, Mahindra emphasized his belief in the quality of work over its quantity.
Addressing the audience, Mahindra expressed his respect for industry leaders like Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, but stated that the debate about the number of hours worked was misdirected. “It’s not about 48 hours, 40 hours, 70 hours, or 90 hours,” Mahindra said. “The focus should be on the output of the work, not the time spent on it. You can change the world in just 10 hours if you’re producing results.”
Noting that several countries are experimenting with or have adopted a four-day workweek, Mahindra highlighted the importance of quality over the sheer number of hours worked. “It’s about making wise decisions and having leaders who focus on the right choices,” he explained. “That is why I believe in liberal arts. Whether you’re an engineer or an MBA, you must study art and culture. A holistic, well-rounded mind makes better decisions.”
Mahindra elaborated that time spent outside of work, whether at home with family, reflecting, or engaging in cultural activities, is essential to making informed and thoughtful decisions. He shared an example from his auto manufacturing business, noting that to design a car for families, one must understand the needs of families. “If we’re always in the office and never with our families, how will we understand what customers want in a car?” he said.
In a philosophical turn, Mahindra quoted Mahatma Gandhi, “Open your windows, let the air in,” emphasizing the need for balance and the importance of exposure to different perspectives to make better decisions. He reiterated his stance by stressing, “You cannot be in a tunnel all the time.”
When asked about how many hours he works, Mahindra avoided a direct answer, reiterating that it’s not about the number of hours but the quality of the work. “Ask me about the quality of my work, not the quantity,” he said.
The comments come after remarks from Narayana Murthy and Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan advocating for longer workweeks, which sparked controversy and discussions about work-life balance.
Additionally, Mahindra, known for his active social media presence, shared his perspective on using platforms like X (formerly Twitter). He stated that he wasn’t on social media to make friends, but rather to leverage it as a powerful business tool. “I’m not here because I’m lonely. My wife is wonderful, and I spend time with her. I’m on social media because it’s an amazing business tool,” Mahindra concluded.
