Across metro India, conversations around burnout have moved from hushed whispers to open Slack threads. But a deeper issue is surfacing - workism, the belief that one's job is central to identity and purpose. HBR argues that this modern ideology, especially prevalent in high-growth sectors like tech and consulting, creates unrealistic expectations of perpetual fulfillment through work alone.
The Manifestation of Workism in India
In India, where economic pressure, social mobility, and prestige often converge in career success, workism manifests early - even in college placement seasons. For HR leaders, this raises urgent questions: Are we promoting sustainable ambition, or glorifying overwork under the guise of hustle culture? Are wellness programs addressing symptoms, not causes?
Reframing the Cultural Narrative
It may be time to reframe our cultural narrative: fulfillment doesn't need to mean exhaustion.
The Manifestation of Workism in India
In India, where economic pressure, social mobility, and prestige often converge in career success, workism manifests early - even in college placement seasons. For HR leaders, this raises urgent questions: Are we promoting sustainable ambition, or glorifying overwork under the guise of hustle culture? Are wellness programs addressing symptoms, not causes?
Reframing the Cultural Narrative
It may be time to reframe our cultural narrative: fulfillment doesn't need to mean exhaustion.
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