Chetan Bhagat, a well-known author and motivational speaker, recently shared his views on work hours during an event in Bengaluru. He stated that dedicating four hours a day to focused work can be sufficient. This perspective comes amidst global conversations regarding office hours and productivity. Bhagat emphasised that the quality of work during these hours is paramount, rather than the quantity of time spent at a desk.

During his remarks, he clarified that these four hours should not include time spent in meetings or dealing with technical issues, which are often distractions in an office environment. He mentioned that prioritising tasks effectively within this timeframe is crucial for maximising productivity and achieving work goals.

The 18th PMSAS Event

The 18th edition of the PMSAS conference took place on October 3, 2026, and attracted numerous industry leaders and experts. Attendees included notable figures like Ankit Jhamb, Chief Learning Officer at Great Bharat Thompson, and Usha Shrikanth from IBM, among others. The event served as a platform for discussing various industry trends and challenges, drawing hundreds of participants from the corporate world.

Bhagat was also asked about maintaining a work-life balance during the session. He advised attendees to engage in what brings them joy and to adhere to his ’11 Rules of Life’. His key takeaway emphasised the importance of self-care and the necessity for individuals to take charge of their own happiness, aligning their work with personal fulfilment.

This discourse resonates particularly in the corporate sector, where longer hours are traditionally associated with productivity. Bhagat’s suggestion highlights the need for a shift in focus towards the content and quality of work performed, rather than merely the number of hours logged in an office.

Debate on Working Hours

The ongoing discussion about workplace culture raises pertinent questions around the structure of working hours. For many, the conventional notion that spending more time at work equates to higher productivity is being challenged. Historically, Indian labour laws dictate the working hours for various sectors, but corporate settings often deviate from these regulations.

In 2022, high-profile figures like Narayan Murthy advocated for longer workweeks, suggesting up to 90 hours of work. This raised concerns among the estimated four million IT professionals and numerous other corporate employees regarding their work-life balance and mental well-being. Bhagat’s four-hour proposition can thus be viewed as a counterargument to the prevailing trend of extended work hours.

Ultimately, Bhagat’s focus on maximising the effectiveness of a shorter work period rather than allowing it to stretch unnecessarily invites a broader conversation about how organisations can create more effective work environments. Employers and employees alike may need to reassess their approach to productivity, placing value on engagement and meaningful work.

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