“You Don’t Need to Work Till 3 AM”: Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor Criticizes Toxic Hustle Culture

Swiggy CEO Calls Out Toxic Hustle Culture: ‘You Don’t Need to Work Till 3 AM

Swiggy’s CEO of Food and Marketplace, Rohit Kapoor, has sparked a conversation about the harmful effects of “hustle culture” in the workplace. Speaking at the Techsparks event in Bengaluru, Kapoor emphasized the importance of a healthy work-life balance, arguing that working till the early hours of the morning is neither sustainable nor necessary for success. His candid remarks, such as “You don’t need to work till 3 AM” and “It’s bullsh*t,” struck a chord with many professionals who are rethinking the glorification of overwork.

Kapoor also challenged the idea that late-night work is productive, pointing out that those who brag about working till 3 AM rarely mention they start their day much later. Instead, he encouraged employees to set healthy boundaries, go home on time, and focus on maintaining both personal and professional well-being. This statement comes as a refreshing counterpoint to the hustle mindset, which often leads to burnout and poor mental health.

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His comments resonate with a broader movement advocating for improved work-life balance, especially in industries as Swiggy grappling with high burnout rates. As companies increasingly prioritize mental health and employee well-being, Kapoor’s leadership sets a precedent for a cultural shift in corporate practices. By promoting sustainable work habits, he sends a powerful message that success does not have to come at the expense of mental health and family time, potentially influencing other leaders to reconsider their views on work ethics and productivity.

FAQs:

1. What did Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor say about hustle culture?

Rohit Kapoor criticized the toxic hustle culture, stating that working late into the night is unsustainable and not a badge of honor. He emphasized that a balanced approach to work is more effective than burning out from overworking.

2. Why does Kapoor believe hustle culture is harmful?

Kapoor believes that the relentless pursuit of success, often glorified as hustle culture, can lead to compromised mental and physical health. He argues that overworking, especially late into the night, is not the key to success and encourages a healthier work-life balance.

3. What advice did Kapoor give about work-life balance?

Kapoor advised employees to avoid unnecessary late-night work and prioritize their personal lives. He suggested that while hard work is essential, pushing oneself to extreme limits is unsustainable and detrimental in the long run. “Ghar jao” [Go home], he urged.

4. How did Kapoor’s views differ from other industry leaders?

Kapoor’s stance contrasts with that of other leaders like Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who has advocated for 70-hour workweeks. Kapoor stressed the importance of sustainable work habits and condemned the glorification of overwork.