'Team slept in Accenture office': Indian techie on work-life balance in India vs. Sweden, & Gen-Z's push to change it
Software engineer Ankur Tyagi shares his insights on the stark contrast between India's demanding tech work culture, where long hours and competition are the norm, and Sweden's emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being. He notes that India's Gen Z is gradually pushing for healthier work dynamics, potentially redefining the country's intense "hustle culture."
Ankur Tyagi, a software engineer born in India and now residing in Sweden, recently took to X to reflect on the stark contrast between the work cultures of his home country and his adopted one. He pointed out how India's hustle culture, which is unsustainable, was normalised and in fact worn as a 'badge of honour.'
The hustle culture in India
Back when I started in tech in India, grinding late hours was worn like a badge of honor.
¡ª Ankur??? (@TheAnkurTyagi) November 14, 2024
- I had a manager who wouldn¡¯t leave to home before 10:00 PM and always come to office at 9:00 AM sharp ?
- last min prod deployment on the name of client is god.
- even my team members¡ https://t.co/eJyVYLYUye
"Back when I started in tech in India, grinding late hours was worn like a badge of honor," Ankur begins.
He recounts how a culture of overwork was not only normalised but celebrated.
Managers staying at the office until 10 PM and returning at 9 AM was a common sight. "Even my team members slept in Accenture offices in Gurgaon," he recalls.
The pressure wasn't limited to just tight deadlines or demanding bosses. The sheer competition in India's tech industry compounded the grind.
"In India, we¡¯re so many people in tech; hence, tough competition. If you don't do it, there are 10,000 people in line. Most of us don't have a choice," he explains.
This unyielding culture often led to sacrificing personal time and family moments. "Hustle culture was so ingrained that I barely questioned it ¡ª sacrificing personal time and family moments without a second thought," he writes.
Work-life balance in Sweden
Ankur's move to Sweden brought about a cultural shock¡ªin the best way possible. The work environment there offered something he never thought possible: balance.
"Here, people simply drop a Slack message to adjust their hours, and no one doubts their commitment," he shares, highlighting the trust and mutual respect that underpin Swedish workplaces.
In contrast to the rigid expectations he faced in India, Sweden's work culture values boundaries and understands that a balanced life leads to better work outcomes.
"It's the kind of balance I never thought I could ask for," he says.
The changing tide in India
Ankur notes that the narrative in India is beginning to change, particularly with the younger generation. "Now, Gen Z in India is flipping the script," he observes.
The younger workforce is setting boundaries, challenging toxic work expectations, and advocating for their time and well-being.
"Sure, it can come off as bold ¡ª even a little too relaxed. But maybe they¡¯re on to something," Ankur writes, acknowledging that this shift, though gradual, might be the key to addressing India¡¯s relentless hustle culture.
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Srishti B Dutta brings you everything from rags-to-riches tales and inspiring student success stories to those "No way, this can't be real!" moments. Whether it's intriguing, heartwarming, or just plain quirky, she's got it covered.
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