Mumbaikars working harder than most others, but earning abysmally low
India has consistently fared among the world's worst countries in terms of work-life balance. A recent study shows there's been no improvement. A Mumbaikar works 3,314.7 hours a year, compared to a global average of 1,987. But their rewards are far lower: while New Yorkers can buy an iPhone X with 54 wage-hours, Mumbaikars need to work for as many as 917 hours to afford it.
Delhi does slightly better than Mumbai
The study by Swiss bank UBS took into account 15 professions that mirror the workforce composition of European countries, and studied them in 77 major cities. Mumbai's average annual work hours of 3,314.7 are more than double those of major European cities like Rome (1,581 hours) or Paris (1,662 hours). Delhi does slightly better at 2,511.4 hours.
On the opposite end: Mumbai earning alarmingly low
However, findings were opposite in terms of expenses. Mumbai ranked a lowly 76th in terms of hourly-earnings, faring worse than African cities like Nairobi. Geneva, Luxembourg and Zurich topped this list. In some cases, Mumbai is more affordable than others. Cost of living here is 46% that of NY. A men's haircut is worth 228 work-minutes, compared to NY's 128. Zurich is the costliest.
Several studies throughout the years have reinforced these results
Various studies have posted similar results. An October'16 survey by Amsterdam-based consultancy Arcadis found five major Indian cities fared extremely low in work-life balance: while Kolkata, Chennai and Bengaluru ranked in the 70s, Mumbai was at 86 and Delhi, 87. Add to that traffic woes: in Bengaluru, employees spend two hours daily commuting to-and-from work. In Mumbai, some travel as much as eight hours.
Result: Fatigue is what most Indians are concerned about
It is no surprise then, that 22% Indians aged 18-64 say the health issue they are most concerned about is fatigue, more than heart disease, diabetes and obesity, found a Mintel research. This has also led to India being the fourth most vacation-deprived country, where 63% employees say they can't afford to take long holidays due to their own busy schedule and employers' demands.
Women feeling the effects even more deeply
The situation is worse for working Indian women, who are expected to take care of kids and the household while managing work. 25% of women Mintel interviewed listed tiredness as their primary health concern.
Compensation, work-life balance key factors in determining job satisfaction
To keep yourself as healthy as possible, you need to ensure a proper work-life balance. Identify your needs and be open with employers about them. There will always be more work, but you should uphold your own boundaries determinedly. At work, prioritize tasks instead of wasting much time on unimportant ones. Use your leisure hours efficiently, and when possible, turn off all technological devices.
