‘Hustle culture is bullshit’: Swiggy CEO promotes work-life balance, advises people to stop working late | Trends

A hustle culture characterized by a relentless pursuit of success and productivity often puts undue pressure on employees to work harder and longer. While many people may adopt this mindset, the practice carries significant risks. The constant stress of striving for success while neglecting work-life balance can lead to burnout, anxiety, and deterioration of mental and physical health. Even though many industry leaders support hustle culture, Swiggy Food and Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor believes it is the wrong approach. At a recent event, he expressed his belief that working late at night at the expense of health and personal relationships is counterproductive.

In conversation with Shradha Sharma at the Techsparks event in Bengaluru, Kapoor says that sometimes you have to work late, but not every day. “But wo yo 3 baje raat ko baithte hai na wo ye nahi batate ki wo 1 baje dopahar ko office ate hai (Those who say they work till 3 a.m. never say that they will reach the office at 1 p.m. next day)” he says in the video. He continues that he has a huge problem with this culture. He further advises people to spend time with family and loved ones.

He reiterates that hard work is needed, adding that one must work “damn hard” but not be crazy to the point of sacrificing one’s personal life.

The video, which received over 32,000 likes, caught people’s attention. Many agreed with Kapoor’s comments. Some also shared strong opinions that hustle culture is often glorified and needs to end.

Social media shares thoughts:

“Narayan Murthy is having panic attacks watching this,” an Instagram user wrote, referring to his controversial remark in which he advised young people to work 70 hours a week. Expressing the same, another person chimed in, “Narayana Murthy is crying in the corner.”

A third praised Kapoor and added: “Finally someone spoke to us all as usual.”

“More people should talk about this,” commented a fourth. A fifth said: “Finally someone said it; otherwise people were blowing the trumpet of hustle culture.”

Rohit Kapoor, CEO of Swiggy, brings a wealth of experience to his role. He started his career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in 2000. In 2012, he joined Max India Limited as Senior Director, Strategy and Business Performance. A little over a year later, he became an executive director and member of the board of directors at Max Healthcare. He then moved to OYO where he held various positions in the company. In 2022, he joined Swiggy as CEO of Food Marketplace.

What is your take on Swiggy CEO’s stance against hustle culture?