Ankur Warikoo shares a brutal truth with workaholics in viral post: ‘If you died, your manager…’

Indians are one of the most overworked nations in the world. Out of 163 nations, Indians are already the sixth most diligent.

According to the most recent International Labour Organization (ILO) data from April 2023, the ranking is based on calculating the average number of hours per week for each employed individual in India, which comes out to 47.7 hours.

In comparison to workers in China (46.1 hours), Vietnam (41.5 hours), Malaysia (43.2 hours), the Philippines (39.2 hours), Japan (36.6 hours), the United States (36.4 hours), and the United Kingdom (35.9 hours), Indians work more hours.


Taking to Instagram, entrepreneur Ankur Warikoo warned followers against engaging in the hustle culture too much and to prioritise work-life balance.

The motivational speaker shared one brutal truth: If an employee dies, the manager will have to post a job looking for a replacement within 48 hours, even if they had a close and genial relationship. Warikoo explained that while one should not neglect professional success, it should not be sacrosanct, and one’s job should not be prioritised over and above everything else – including one’s personal commitments and relationships. Having time for those near and dear to you is important, as you are irreplaceable to those who love you unconditionally.

Sharing the message, Warikoo added a caption: “Your work is not your entire life!”

Warikoo’s message went viral on Instagram and gained over 13,000 likes. One Instagram follower observed that this was a brutal but necessary message: “A harsh reality check, but so necessary…” the comment read. Another shared a different side of the coin- people, especially men who are not professionally successful, are mistreated and considered less than by family, including parents. “You don't know the reality...if you hadn't earned money...you would have been a villain to everyone, including your parents and wife...a man who does not earn handsomely is not respected in this society, nor can he protect himself and his family...everything comes with a price...even your parents' medical bills..." the comment read.

A 2025 Randstad survey found that Indian workers across generations place considerably greater importance on flexible working hours than their counterparts worldwide. Among Gen Z, 62 percent expressed a preference for flexible schedules, compared with 45 percent globally. For younger employees entering an increasingly digital workplace, greater control over working hours can help them cope with lengthy commutes and intense competition for jobs.

Millennials in India showed an even stronger preference for flexibility, with 66 percent prioritising adaptable working hours, versus 39 percent globally. For this generation, flexible schedules can make it easier to manage professional commitments while also handling childcare, household duties and other responsibilities at home.