Former WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan has urged individuals to prioritize their health over relentless work schedules, cautioning that the human body signals when rest is needed to avoid burnout. In an interview with PTI, the renowned health expert weighed in on the debate over 70–90-hour workweeks, emphasizing that while intense efforts can be managed temporarily—as seen during the COVID-19 crisis—they are unsustainable long-term.

Swaminathan, who also served as ICMR Director General, reflected on the pandemic, when healthcare workers and others endured sleepless, high-stress periods. “We did it for two-three years… but could we have continued that for years together? I’m not sure,” she said. Many faced burnout, with some even leaving their professions. She argued that productivity hinges on quality, not hours logged. “You can sit at your table for 12 hours, but maybe after eight, the quality drops,” she noted, stressing the need for sleep and mental breaks to maintain sharp thinking.

Her comments come amid a national discussion sparked by industry leaders like L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, who advocated for 90-hour weeks, and Infosys’ Narayana Murthy, who endorsed 70 hours. Recently, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant doubled down, linking hard work—up to 90 hours weekly—to India’s ambition of becoming a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047. However, Swaminathan’s stance aligns with a more balanced view, suggesting individual limits vary. “Your body tells you when you’re tired,” she said.

While the government, as clarified by Minister Shobha Karandlaje last month, isn’t pushing for extended work hours, Swaminathan’s advice underscores a critical message: relentless overwork risks health and efficiency. For sustained success, listening to one’s body may be as vital as ambition.