Hard Work vs. Work-Life Balance: What Top CEOs Believe About Success and Productivity
When L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently sparked a spirited 90 hour work week debate by advocating for 90-hour workweeks, even suggesting Sundays might not be sacrosanct, the corporate world collectively raised its eyebrows. His remarks, though divisive, shine a light on a sentiment that many leaders echo: hard work, often grueling and unrelenting, is indispensable for success.
While “work smarter, not harder” is a mantra plastered across motivational posters, many global CEOs have championed a contrary view, emphasizing that true success often demands rolling up your sleeves and going the extra mile. Here’s what some of the most influential leaders, from India and beyond, have said about the need for sheer, old-school hard work. The L&T Chairman was certainly not the first one to voice this opinion, or rather, sentiment.
CEOs Who Champion Hard Work as the Ultimate Key to Success
1. Elon Musk – Tesla, SpaceX, and More
“Nobody ever changed the world in 40 hours a week.”
The tech billionaire who manages a sprawling empire of cutting-edge companies has been vocal about the sheer hours required to accomplish extraordinary things. Musk claims to work between 80 to 100 hours a week, often sleeping on factory floors during crunch times. While critics argue it’s unsustainable, Musk counters that groundbreaking achievements demand sacrifices.
Ever wondered if Musk’s calendar has more hours than ours? Maybe that’s why Mars doesn’t seem so far anymore!
2. Narendra Modi – Prime Minister of India
“Hard work never brings fatigue. It brings satisfaction.”
While not a corporate CEO, Modi’s rise from a tea seller to the highest office in the land has been marked by relentless dedication. Known for his grueling schedule, often working long hours without breaks, he underscores the value of hard work as a cornerstone for meaningful achievement.
If Modi’s stamina were a product, it would probably outsell chai at railway stations!
3. Indra Nooyi – Former CEO, PepsiCo
“There is no substitute for hard work. If you work hard and really help others, opportunities will open for you.”
As one of the most celebrated Indian-origin CEOs, Nooyi’s tenure at PepsiCo was marked by transformative growth. Her ethos, which is, giving 110% while supporting your team, reflects her belief that hard work lays the foundation for a leader’s success.
If hard work were a fizzy drink, Nooyi would probably have bottled and sold it by now.
4. Jeff Bezos – Amazon
“Work-life harmony is what we’re after. But, let’s be real: building something meaningful takes serious effort.”
Known for his relentless focus on customers and operational efficiency, Bezos often highlights that exceptional outcomes require exceptional effort. His own rise from shipping books out of his garage to creating a trillion-dollar empire, is a testament to his philosophy.
Bezos probably worked so hard he invented next-day delivery just to save time waiting for his own orders.
5. Mukesh Ambani – Reliance Industries
“A leader’s work ethic must set the highest standard. Hard work is contagious when the leader walks the talk.”
India’s richest man is no stranger to hard work. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and long hours, Ambani has transformed Reliance into a behemoth spanning industries. His commitment is legendary among his peers and employees.
The only thing working harder than Mukesh Ambani might just be Jio’s network servers.
Now, let’s look at some CEOs Who Emphasize Balance Over Hustle for Long-Term Success
1. Satya Nadella – CEO, Microsoft
“You need to bet on your health, your family, and your well-being to bring your best to work.”
Nadella has been an advocate of striking a harmonious work-life balance. He emphasizes that working hard doesn’t mean neglecting personal health and family life, as they are essential for sustained productivity.
If Microsoft Office had a work-life balance template, Nadella would probably have created it himself.
2. Sheryl Sandberg – Former COO, Meta (Facebook)
“You can’t do it all. Trying to achieve perfect balance is futile; instead, aim for meaningful priorities.”
Sandberg’s advocacy for prioritizing what truly matters has resonated with millions. Her approach focuses on working hard during critical moments but recognizing when to step back and recharge.
Maybe the next Meta update should include a “Take a Break” reminder inspired by Sandberg.
3. Sundar Pichai – CEO, Google
“It’s important to have a work-life balance because it helps maintain your creative edge.”
Leading one of the world’s most innovative companies, Pichai believes in the necessity of balancing intense work with moments of relaxation and reflection to keep the creative juices flowing.
Google’s search trends probably spike for “vacation spots” after one of Pichai’s pep talks.
4. Arundhati Bhattacharya – Former Chairperson, State Bank of India
“Work hard, but also take time for yourself. A balanced life leads to balanced decisions.”
Bhattacharya’s journey as the first woman to head India’s largest public sector bank showcases her belief in hard work tempered by personal time to maintain clarity and make better decisions.
Banking hours might end at 4 p.m., but Bhattacharya’s balanced philosophy works 24/7.
5. Tim Cook – CEO, Apple
“Focus is about saying no to things you don’t care about so you can say yes to what matters—at work and home.”
Cook’s disciplined approach to both work and life highlights the importance of quality over quantity. He’s known for his early mornings, but also for being a strong advocate of maintaining personal time.
Cook’s mantra: Just like Apple products, life should be seamless and efficient.
The Fine Line Between Hard Work and Burnout
So, whether you’re clocking in 40 hours a week or pulling a Musk-like marathon of 90 hour work remember: greatness demands effort, but sustainability ensures longevity. And maybe, just maybe, keep Sundays sacred. After all, even the hardest-working legends need a breather! The discussion on work-life balance is far from one-sided. While leaders like Satya Nadella and Tim Cook champion balance as the foundation for sustained success, others, like Elon Musk, have famously spoken against it. Musk, who once quipped, “Nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week,” stands as a staunch advocate for relentless hustle, often describing grueling work schedules as the price of innovation. Similarly, Alibaba’s Jack Ma raised eyebrows when he endorsed the controversial “996” work culture, working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, calling it a blessing for those aspiring to build something meaningful.
In a world increasingly defined by blurred boundaries between work and life, the onus lies on individuals and organisations to find their own equilibrium. Employee motivation, drive and their work culture and work environment plays a huge role in productivity. Whether you’re a 90 hour work week believer or a balanced-life advocate, the conversation around hard work and well-being is a timely reminder that success comes in many forms, and so does fulfillment. But as human beings, we work so we can live a fuller life. That is something that we should let pass us by as life goes on.
In conclusion, the concept of a 90 hour work week, as highlighted by the L&T chairman, has reignited discussions about the balance between hard work and smart work. Organizations must prioritize employee engagement to create an environment where long hours are replaced by meaningful contributions. By focusing on employee motivation, companies can ensure that their workforce remains driven and committed without burnout. Additionally, fostering team building not only strengthens collaboration but also equips employees with the tools to work smarter, not harder. As workplaces evolve, a strategic emphasis on employee engagement, employee motivation, and team building will be essential to navigate the challenges of productivity while avoiding the pitfalls of a 90 hour work grind.
Book employee engagement and team building activities to boost employee morale
Bring Leadership Insights to Your Event: Book Top Executives as Motivational Speakers Who Inspire Through Their Journey and Vision.
Book Top Leaders from across the country who can spread light on the issue
When it comes to booking/ hiring the best Motivational Speakers. You can book/hire them via engage4more’s passionate team. Our working relations with over 2,500+ talented artists come with an assurance of best-suited artist suggestions for your event with pacy bookings and great prices. Also, enjoy our value adds like complimentary quizzing for your events along with free publicity by our post-event coverage via our social media handles!
Start your artist booking journey here.
