Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing work-life balance debate, offering a personalized perspective that emphasizes individual happiness. In an interview with IANS, Adani argued that true work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept. He explained, “If you enjoy what you do, then you have a work-life balance. Your balance should not be imposed on me, and vice versa. It’s about finding joy in how you spend your time.” Adani illustrated his point by suggesting that whether someone spends four or eight hours with their family is irrelevant, as long as they find happiness in it. He added, “But if someone spends eight hours with their family and their spouse leaves, then that’s another story.”
The Adani Group chairman emphasized that the essence of work-life balance lies in mutual satisfaction and happiness. He stressed that balance is personal and subjective, saying, “If it brings you happiness and the other person is also happy, that’s the true definition of work-life balance.”
Adani’s comments come after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy sparked nationwide discussion with his advocacy for a 70-hour work week. Murthy had argued that such dedication was essential for India to compete globally. His stance was later supported by Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal, who echoed Murthy’s view, saying that hard work was necessary to build a stronger nation, even if it meant sacrificing personal time.
These contrasting viewpoints from influential business leaders highlight the ongoing debate about the nature of work-life balance. While Murthy and Aggarwal emphasize hard work and sacrifice for the greater good, Adani champions a more individualized approach based on personal happiness and satisfaction.
