'Got paid 1.5 times for picking up a call after office hours': NRI compares US and Indian work cultures

An Indian-origin man has sparked online discussion after sharing his observations on differences in workplace culture between India and the United States, particularly regarding office hours, overtime and expectations beyond the workday.

In a recent Instagram video, Nitin Malhotra reflected on his professional experiences in both countries, highlighting how attitudes towards leaving work on time and handling after-hours responsibilities differed during his career.

US vs India work culture

Malhotra said he spent nearly five years working in India before moving to the United States, where he has now lived for almost 15 years and become an American citizen.


Recalling his time in India, he said employees who left after completing their scheduled workday often attracted attention from colleagues.

According to Malhotra, if he began work at 10 a.m. and prepared to leave at 6 p.m. or even 6:30 p.m. after completing eight hours, people in the office would look at him as though he was leaving unusually early.

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Leaving on time seen as normal in the US

Malhotra said his experience changed significantly after he started working in the United States.

He explained that after completing his eight-hour shift, he clocks out and returns home without concern from colleagues or supervisors. He noted that leaving work on time is generally treated as a normal part of the workday.

According to him, this distinction stood out as one of the most noticeable differences between the two work environments.

Manager's response left a lasting impression

The man also recounted an incident involving a call from his manager outside regular work hours.

He said his manager was pleased that he answered the call and later recognised the extra effort. The following day, she appreciated him and compensated him at a rate of time and a half for the additional work performed.

Malhotra suggested that the experience reflected a different approach to employee time and extra work responsibilities.

Views on overtime and workplace boundaries

Discussing workplace practices in the United States, Malhotra said employees are generally paid overtime when they work beyond 40 hours a week, typically at a rate of time and a half.

He added that managers do not usually contact employees unnecessarily after work hours, stating that schedules are clearly defined and structured. Malhotra said he believes this approach contributes to employee satisfaction and expressed the view that India could adopt a similar model.

Social media users respond

The video generated reactions from Instagram users, many of whom commented on workplace expectations and work-life balance.

One user wrote that India needs to learn from such practices, while another said work should not dominate a person's entire life.

A third commenter argued that overtime should always be compensated regardless of location, while another highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

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