In the past, we have talked about India’s toxic work culture and how over-working is associated with hard work and is often lauded. And TBH, ever since the world started working remotely, the line between personal and professional lives has been blurred.
However, finally, people have started setting boundaries in their professional life and saying no to working after hours. Taking to Twitter, Joey.N.U. shared screenshots from his office WhatsApp group where they were asked to work on something at 10 pm.
I have no issues with people working till whatever time in their organisations. But please don't bring that sweatshop culture to our doorstep. 🙏🙂 pic.twitter.com/0vaS8F2OOM
— Joey.N.U. (@joeyp225) June 2, 2022
Despite one of his colleagues clarifying that they would work on the task in the morning, someone is seen pushing them to do it immediately. From their chat, it doesn’t seem that the work is very important.
“Simply needs to be shared. Nothing major.”
When Joey stated that it’s 10 in the night and that they would work on the task first thing in the morning, the person seems irritated and probably ended up completing the ‘simple’ task themself.
We’re glad that Joey and his colleague decided to put their foot down and denied working way past their working hours. But this conversation sheds light on the poor work culture in India and how employers should refrain from contacting employees after office hours for any kind of office work.
Had a similar experience. Not sure how they ask without any shame !! pic.twitter.com/h3UkLHChmC
— Mubarak (@Mubarak_ifs) June 4, 2022
Could have just done it themselves in the first place if it was that simple. But no, drama to zaruri hai dikhaane ke liye ki kitna mehnatkash human hai yeh.
— T. 🏳️🌈 (@altzina) June 2, 2022
You did the right thing. Hate this expectation of being always available to colleagues.
— Typo King (@Nahopayega09) June 2, 2022
This is toxic work culture and it will only stop once everyone says they will not work beyond a certain time. This needs to constantly be available and deliver on demand is draining us all out.
— Amena (@AmenaAAzeez) June 3, 2022
I have issues with organisations taking a follow up on WhatsApp. WhatsApp is something I consider personal and there shouldn’t be a work related follow up there.
— Nishant Shende (@Sarcasm_Shende) June 2, 2022
It also gave others the courage to share similar instances that happened to them.
2 days back I left an organization with the same poor work culture. They drain you to the fullest without any extra compensation. I am unemployed and happy now. 😁
— Huneza Khan (@KhanHuneza) June 3, 2022
I remember working at a place where my leaving on time was frowned upon. They considered staying late as a sign of hard work. Dude, when I come in time, finish my work on time, I deserve to leave in time. Late ruk ke kya aalu chhilu waha ya laptop pe patte khelu?
— Minakshi Pharswal (@Crazynailzz) June 3, 2022
Mere office me 12 baje aate hai bande aur kaam sham me shuru hota hai. Usse pehle chai coffee aur bakaiti chalti hai badhiya se. Phir 10 baje tak baithe rehte hai office me sab. They expect me to do same. I reach at 10 and leave at 7 without wasting time and no one likes it.
— Vikas Mishra (@Vikas_Purush) June 4, 2022
Had a similar experience with a client of mine. No sense of work timings or boundaries. One particular over-enthu BSA once called me up at 2 in the night to implement ‘one small change’ in the production environment. Leaving that project and client was the best thing I did.
— Kanav Gulati (@thekvgulati) June 3, 2022
I simply do not respond after work hours! I have a reliever from US who takes over after 530. After that its “me time”. We have a mutual sense of respect for each other’s personal lives and i guess that’s why we are happy!
— Magarmach (@Mugging_mugger) June 2, 2022
Recollect one incident during my corporate job. My manager called me for a one-on-one meeting and asked – do you want to be a 9 to 5 employee or want growth?
Within 6 months, I got huge growth…
.
.
.
.
… after I changed job with 40% hike & higher position 🤣😅— Twittësär (@intz3007) June 3, 2022
From clients to employers and colleagues, everyone should understand the importance of having a work-life balance. It helps everyone and who doesn’t like to stay away from their laptops and give themselves a little break?