India vs Sweden: Contrasting Work-Life Balance for Engineers

Ankur Tyagi, a tech professional from India in Sweden has compared the work cultures of both countries, pointing out that Sweden excels in terms of employee wellbeing.

Ankur Tyagi reflects on the grind culture in Indian tech, where long hours and last-minute tasks were common. Late nights and early mornings were expected, with dedication judged by how much personal time one sacrificed.

 Tyagi shared anecdotes of colleagues sleeping at the office to keep up with relentless demands, especially during critical deployments where clients were treated as deities whose needs had to be met instantly.

In India, tech jobs are highly competitive, with thousands in line for any opportunity. This often leaves workers with no choice but to overextend themselves to maintain their position and relevance.

Tyagi admitted that he, like many others, never questioned these norms. The idea of sacrificing personal well-being for the job was so deeply rooted that it felt like the only path to career success.

Upon moving to Sweden, Tyagi experienced a contrasting work culture where balance is prioritized. Employees can adjust their schedules with a simple Slack message, and trust is the foundation of professional relationships.

The Swedish tech environment respects employees’ personal time. People are trusted to deliver quality work while also living a fulfilling personal life, a concept Tyagi found refreshing and unexpected.

Work flexibility in Sweden isn’t seen as a sign of laziness or lack of commitment. Instead, there’s a collective understanding that well-rested and happy employees contribute better to the organization.

Tyagi observes that the younger generation in India is beginning to challenge toxic work norms. Gen Z is more vocal about setting boundaries and rejecting unhealthy expectations in the workplace.

Although some may view Gen Z’s approach as overly relaxed, Tyagi suggests that prioritizing well-being might lead to more sustainable work environments, shifting the definition of productivity.

Tyagi believes that by advocating for healthier work dynamics, the newer generation could be catalysts for change, moving India’s tech culture away from relentless hustle toward a more balanced and mindful approach.