Amid the ongoing debate on work-life balance, Reliance Jio InfoComm chairman Akash Ambani shared his perspective. He stressed that the focus should be on the quality of work rather than the number of hours spent in the office. Speaking at the Mumbai Tech Week event, he said, "I don’t measure work in hours but by the quality of what is achieved each day."
He said that he doesn’t actively try to balance the two. Instead, he considers both work and family as his top priorities. Raised in a close-knit family, he views work as an integral part of life. He added that as people grow, their priorities shift, and it’s essential to focus on what is meaningful to shape the life they envision.
When asked about he would rather work 8am-5pm or 5pm-8am he said it was a tough choice. He shared that his days often extend beyond 12 hours but now, with two young children, he feels drawn back to them. He also expressed gratitude for his wife, Shloka, who understands his demanding work schedule.
He said that legacy values more over titles, inspired by his grandfather Dhirubhai and other family members dedication. He highlighted that their family legacy is about making a meaningful impact on both the company and the country. He and his siblings, Isha and Anant, must uphold these values. He admitted that they have big shoes to fill and must fully understand their influence as they build their own ventures.
The debate over work-life balance is going on for a while now in India, one of the world's most overworked nations. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the average Indian employee works 46.7 hours per week, with more than half exceeding 49 hours.
Several Indian business leaders have shared their views on work-life balance. Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy has suggested for a 70-hour workweek, while Larsen & Toubro Chairman S N Subrahmanyan recommended a 90-hour workweek.
In India, the Shops and Establishments Act regulates working hours for employees, with each state setting its own limits. In most states, the maximum allowed working hours per week is 48 hours, ensuring that employees are not overworked. The law also specifies a 9-hour workday.
