Do you work late, skip breakfasts? It's time to rethink how you work, prevent burnout

More hours don’t equal more output. The drive for growth and efficiency has made work hours longer, which can create pressure and impact health (Image: Canva)

Working beyond regular hours has become increasingly common in today’s world. Late-night emails and weekend calls are now a regular part of many people’s routines. As personal and professional boundaries continue to squeeze, especially in hybrid work setups, some are beginning to reflect on how this shift is affecting health, happiness, and focus.

As lines between personal and professional life blur in the hybrid work era, experts are sounding the alarm. They say it’s  time to rethink how people work, and more importantly, how long they work.

The modern workplace is evolving, but not always in ways that serve the well-being of its people, says Dr Vikram Vora, Medical Director, International SOS (Indian Subcontinent). “The shift to hybrid and remote work promised flexibility, yet it has, paradoxically, extended the workday,” he says.

Also read | 90-hour work week: Overworking Indians won’t guarantee country’s growth

While remote and hybrid work were expected to offer flexibility, they’ve also led to longer workdays in some cases. According to Dr  Vora, this constant availability can take a toll on one’s health. “More hours don’t equal more output. The drive for growth and efficiency has made work hours longer, which can create pressure and impact health,” he warns.

Dr Vora adds that these changes can influence both individual performance and also organisational well-being. “As the way people work continues to evolve, it is important to understand how to strike a balance between productivity, health, and sustainable work practices,” he suggests.

Here are 6 workplace practices, suggested by Dr Vora, which will help you boost productivity without burnout:

• Flexibility around peak hours: Allowing employees to align work with their natural productivity rhythms leads to better focus and reduced burnout.

• The four-day workweek: Trials in countries like Iceland and the UK showed that cutting one workday didn’t hurt output — in fact, productivity often improved along with employee satisfaction.

• Respect for after-hours boundaries: Forward-thinking companies are saying no to late-night emails and weekend meetings, helping restore balance between work and personal life.

• Encouraging breaks and time off:  “Regular breaks, vacations, and even mental health days can dramatically enhance performance,” says Dr Vora. A two-week vacation alone can boost productivity by up to 30 percent.

• Leading by example: When managers model healthy habits, like leaving on time and taking breaks, it creates a culture where employees feel empowered to do the same.

• Making work more human: Ultimately, it’s not just about working fewer hours, it’s about working smarter, with empathy and intention, to create sustainable, high-impact workplaces.