“Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor Says No to Hustle Culture: Encourages a Balanced Life”
Speaking Out Against Toxic Hustle Culture
In a refreshing take against the prevailing workaholic mindset, Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor has made headlines by speaking out against the toxic “hustle culture” that has become the norm in many industries. At the Techsparks event in Bengaluru, Kapoor emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, pointing out that working late into the night constantly is neither sustainable nor the best path to success.
The Myth of Late-Night Work
Kapoor called out the glorification of late-night work, often portrayed as a mark of dedication. He mentioned, “Those who say they work till 3 AM never tell you they reach the office at 1 PM the next day,” adding that such behavior is simply unrealistic and often harmful. While hard work is necessary, Kapoor believes it shouldn’t come at the cost of one’s health or personal happiness. “Some days, you need to work late, but not every day,” he advised.
The Importance of Family and Personal Well-Being
Instead, Kapoor encouraged his employees to make time for their families and prioritize personal well-being. “Ghar jao [Go home],” he said, underscoring that productivity is not about overworking to the point of burnout. “Nothing has ever come easy in my life, but it has not come at the cost of going crazy. You don’t need to be crazy.”
A Different Perspective on Productivity
Hustle culture, which promotes long hours and pushing productivity to the extreme, has often been praised by leaders in the industry, including Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who recently advocated for a 70-hour work week. Kapoor’s perspective offers a needed contrast—focusing on long-term sustainability over extreme measures for short-term gains.
Changing Workplace Culture
His remarks have sparked discussions about the future of workplace culture, especially in high-pressure industries. In an age of increasing burnout, Kapoor’s views serve as a powerful reminder that success does not have to come at the cost of mental and physical health.