Burnout Grips India’s IT Sector: 1 in 4 Employees Work Over 70 Hours a Week, Survey Reveals

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A recent survey has exposed a severe burnout crisis in India’s Information Technology (IT) sector, with 25% of employees working more than 70 hours a week—significantly higher than the standard 40-48 hours. The findings highlight alarming levels of stress, deteriorating work-life balance, and growing mental health concerns among IT professionals.

Key Findings of the Survey

The study, conducted among employees of major Indian IT firms, revealed:

  • One in four professionals works over 70 hours weekly.
  • 60% reported high stress levels, with many facing anxiety and sleep disorders.
  • Only 30% felt satisfied with their work-life balance.
  • Long meetings, tight deadlines, and after-hours work were major contributors to exhaustion.

Why Are IT Employees Overworked?

Industry experts cite several reasons for the rising burnout:

  1. Client Demands & Global Work Culture – Many IT firms serve international clients across time zones, leading to odd working hours.
  2. Tight Deadlines & High Workloads – Competitive pressure forces employees to take on excessive tasks with unrealistic timelines.
  3. Job Insecurity & Fear of Layoffs – Recent mass layoffs in tech companies have increased anxiety, pushing employees to overwork.
  4. Work-From-Home Blurring Boundaries – Remote work has extended office hours, with employees struggling to disconnect.

Impact on Health & Productivity

Prolonged overwork is taking a toll:

  • Physical Health – Increased cases of hypertension, migraines, and chronic fatigue.
  • Mental Health – Rising depression and anxiety cases, with many avoiding seeking help due to stigma.
  • Declining Productivity – Despite longer hours, efficiency drops due to fatigue and disengagement.

Calls for Change

Employee welfare advocates and HR experts are urging IT companies to:

  • Enforce strict work-hour policies to prevent excessive overtime.
  • Promote mental health support through counseling and stress management programs.
  • Encourage flexible schedules to improve work-life balance.
  • Reduce meeting overload and streamline workflows to cut unnecessary work.

Industry Response

Some companies have started wellness initiatives, but experts argue systemic changes are needed. The IT sector, a major driver of India’s economy, must address burnout to retain talent and sustain growth.Burnout Grips India’s IT Sector: 1 in 4 Employees Work Over 70 Hours a Week, Survey Reveals

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