In a refreshing departure from the glorified ‘hustle culture’ that has permeated many industries, Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor has taken a bold stance on the importance of work-life balance. Speaking at a recent event hosted by YourStory, Kapoor openly questioned the necessity of working late hours, stating, “Kyu burn kar rahe ho midnight oil, kisne bola hai? Ghar jao, dog hai, biwi hai, girlfriend hai, Bache hain, Kuch toh karo…” (Why are you burning the midnight oil? Go home to your dog, wife, girlfriend, kids. Do something!).
His comments resonate with a growing sentiment among professionals who feel pressured to sacrifice their personal lives for work. Kapoor emphasized that while hard work is vital, it should never come at the expense of mental and physical well-being. “You don’t need to be crazy to succeed,” he asserted, adding that the path to success should not involve compromising one’s health or personal relationships.
This statement comes at a critical time, particularly following discussions around toxic workplace cultures, ignited by the recent tragic death of a young Chartered Accountant at EY India. Kapoor’s perspective has garnered widespread praise on social media, with many users applauding his candid approach to the often-unspoken challenges of modern work life. Comments flooded in, with one user noting, “Finally someone talked like normal to all of us,” while another remarked, “So true, people who can’t finish their work in 8 hours won’t be able to finish it in 12-14 hours.”
Kapoor’s viral remarks not only reflect a shift in corporate attitudes towards work-life balance but also challenge the entrenched norms that define success in today’s fast-paced world. As more leaders like him advocate for healthier work environments, the hope is that this dialogue will continue to evolve, promoting a culture where well-being is prioritized alongside productivity.
In a world that often glorifies overwork, Rohit Kapoor’s message is a timely reminder that achieving a fulfilling life extends far beyond the confines of the office.
