Today’s rapidly changing business environment makes ‘working hours in India’ still a topic of discussion. Although laws define the standard for working hours, entrepreneurs experience some time spent on their businesses well beyond the expectations for the number of hours in a workday. Entrepreneurs from tech startups to retail stores work beyond their limits and they are committed to hustle, as compared to the more traditional 9-to-5 working hours.
Legal Standards for Working Hours
The Indian labour laws, specifically the Factories Act and the Shops & Establishments Act, legally restrict work hours in India. Generally, employees work a maximum of 9 hours a day, 48 hours a week. Overtime is permitted but must be paid.
These rules are mostly meant for employees. Entrepreneurs often do not observe them; they may work long hours to maintain or expand their businesses.
Why Entrepreneurs Work Longer Hours
Entrepreneurs work around the clock. Their responsibilities—from overseeing a team to making a sale and advancing innovation—demand continuous effort. Many entrepreneurs will tell you that working hours in India easily exceed 60 – 70 hours a week. They work on preparing smart marketing strategies and their execution to promote themselves which also takes a big chunk of their time.
Typically, the culture of 12 hours work in India is prevalent in startups. Founders are forced to wear multiple hats and often compromise personal time for the business’s success.
Sector-Wise Breakdown of Entrepreneurial Working Hours
1. Information Technology & Startups
Working hours in India are far from set as part of the startup ecosystem. Startup founders sometimes work around the clock, particularly if their solutions operate in international markets.
2. Manufacturing
Business owners in factories or production units work early in the morning and long into the evening. They are often very hands-on with machinery, logistics, and labor, extending working hours beyond the length captured by a regular shift.
3. Retail & E-commerce
Retailers work according to customers’ arrival, whereas e-commerce entrepreneurs bounce between customer queries, supplier challenges, product procurement, and order tracking; their working hours are entirely irregular in India.
4. Hospitality & Food Business
When someone works to operate a restaurant or a hotel business, the entrepreneur is on stand-by 24/7. These industries are ugly with their schedules. “Off hours” in the hospitality and food businesses do not exist. So, we have one more classic case of 12 hours work in India, especially during peak seasons.
5. Agriculture & Agritech
Agri-entrepreneurs heavily rely on the seasons. Working hours in India vary, often starting before the sun rises and ending when it’s dark during sowing and harvesting.
The Need for Balance
Business owners must allocate their time judiciously, whether working in a restaurant, hair studio or tech startup. Burnout is a real risk. With proper delegation and automation tools, they can reduce their working hours in India and become more productive.
Conclusion
Being an entrepreneur in India can be an uphill battle. Often, business owners work more hours than legally permitted out of ambition, necessity, or both. While hustle culture is glorified, striking a balance for longevity is imperative.
