India stands at the cusp of a new era. We are sprinting towards becoming the next global superpower, driven by a young, vibrant workforce brimming with dreams and aspirations. With one of the highest numbers of startups in the world—ranking third globally after the United States and China—India has indeed positioned itself as a burgeoning hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. However, in our race to the top, are we overlooking crucial aspects of workplace culture that may hinder our journey?
A Dream That Is Turning Sour
While the startup ecosystem and corporate world offer abundant opportunities, they come with a hidden cost. Employees, particularly those in high-growth sectors, are increasingly grappling with anxiety, stress, and burnout. Long working hours, intense performance pressure, and the lack of work-life balance are pervasive. As a consultant, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of these high-pressure environments. I regularly handle cases for clients where burnout, stress, and even mental health issues have become the norm rather than the exception.
More troubling is the recent trend of adopting a ‘hire and fire’ policy. In the pursuit of agility and short-term profitability, companies are quick to onboard employees and equally swift in showing them the door when targets are not met. This approach creates a toxic environment, breeding insecurity and apprehension among employees. It’s disheartening to admit, but I have often found myself in conversations with founders and CEOs, warning them that this policy is not sustainable in the long run. Sadly, many choose to ignore this advice until it’s too late, by which point the damage to employee morale and company reputation is almost irreparable.
The Neglect of the Experienced Workforce
In our obsession with the new and the young, we are overlooking a treasure trove of knowledge and experience. Employees over the age of 50 are often treated as outdated or irrelevant. This dismissive attitude disregards the wealth of experience and wisdom these seasoned professionals bring to the table. Not only is this approach short-sighted, but it also fosters an ageist work culture that ultimately deprives companies of valuable insights and mentoring opportunities that only experienced professionals can provide.
As a consultant, I urge founders, CEOs, and HR leaders to adopt a more humane, inclusive approach to work culture. Prioritize well-being, value experience, and cultivate a long-term perspective. Let’s create workplaces where dreams are not just born but are nurtured to grow, where employees thrive, not just survive.
