A recent Data Point study revealed that young professional Indian women are working the longest hours globally, averaging over 55 hours a week. This means they work 9-11 hours a day, depending on whether they follow a five- or six-day work week. Women in high-pressure sectors such as information technology, auditing and media face particularly busy schedules, having to balance rigorous work commitments with personal responsibilities.
This data comes after the tragic death of Anna Sebastian Perayil, an American journalist. 26 years old Chartered Accountant Employed at Ernst & Young (EY), whose mother cited “work stress” as a significant factor in his untimely demise. His death has sparked important discussions about work-related stress and excessive workload in India.
The burden of unpaid domestic work on professional women
Despite their long hours in professional settings, Indian women are also responsible for a disproportionate amount of unpaid domestic work. Data Point studies have shown that employed women spend an average of 5.8 hours per day on domestic chores, leaving them with only 7-10 hours to relax and unwind. This significant burden increases their stress levels, further exacerbating work-life imbalance problems.
Marriage doubles the household work for women
The situation becomes even more pronounced for married women. Data shows that married women, whether employed or not, spend an average of 8 hours per day on unpaid domestic work, which is double the time spent by unmarried women. In contrast, married men spend only 2.8 hours on domestic work, further highlighting the inequality.
The imbalance in domestic labour is deeply ingrained in Indian society, where women, especially after marriage, face increased demands at home while meeting the challenges of their professional careers.
Demand for improvement in work-life balance
The increasing pressures on Indian women require urgent reforms in workplace policies and domestic expectations. The data underscores the need for organizations to support work-life balance initiatives and for families to recognize and share domestic responsibilities more equitably. Addressing these issues is essential for both the professional and personal well-being of Indian women.
4o
