Mahindra shares insights on using social media for business and his views on work-life balance
Introduction
Anand Mahindra, the chairman of the Mahindra Group, has recently opened up about his thoughts on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), and the role it plays in business strategy. He also weighed in on the debate about long work hours, emphasizing the importance of work quality over quantity. In a speech at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi, Mahindra discussed how social media platforms can be leveraged for business growth and why he believes that focusing on the quality of work is more important than just the number of hours worked.
Anand Mahindra on X: A Business Tool, Not for Friendship
Anand Mahindra has been an active user of X for years, but he clarified during his speech that his presence on the platform is not driven by loneliness or the desire to make friends. Instead, he sees it as a powerful business tool that allows him to connect with millions of people and receive valuable feedback. According to Mahindra, one of the greatest advantages of X is its ability to provide direct access to a large audience, something that would be otherwise difficult and expensive.
Feedback from Millions in Real Time
Mahindra highlighted that X provides an incredible opportunity for businesses to gain real-time feedback from millions of people. He compared this advantage to the high cost of market research. “How in one platform I get feedback from 11 million people… If I ask any research firm to give me a sample of 11 million people, they’d charge me a fortune,” he said. This massive pool of feedback is an invaluable asset for any business leader, enabling them to gauge public opinion quickly and efficiently.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Traditional Market Research
Mahindra also shared an interesting anecdote about his experience with technology firms. He mentioned that he once asked Microsoft to create a “cockpit” to monitor various aspects of his factory and operations, but the cost was prohibitive—about a million dollars. In contrast, X allows him to gain insights from a much larger sample at virtually no cost. For Mahindra, the platform is a far more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods of gathering market data.
The Power of Real-Time Communication
Beyond just gathering feedback, Mahindra also emphasized the ability to communicate directly with his followers, employees, and even critics. In today’s fast-paced business environment, this instant communication is a game-changer. Mahindra believes that X provides a level of transparency and direct interaction that can help business leaders make more informed decisions and foster stronger connections with their audience.
Work-Life Balance: Quality Over Quantity
During the same event, Anand Mahindra addressed the ongoing debate about the number of hours employees should work. Recently, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan sparked controversy by suggesting that long 90-hour workweeks were necessary for success. Mahindra, however, offered a different perspective on the matter.
Focusing on Quality, Not the Number of Hours
Mahindra expressed his belief that the focus should not be on the number of hours worked, but on the quality of the work being done. “It’s not about 48, 40 hours, it’s not about 70 hours, it’s not about 90 hours,” Mahindra said, adding that employees should prioritize the quality of their work rather than the sheer quantity of time they spend working. He stressed that high-quality work can be achieved in fewer hours if employees are focused and efficient.
Work-Life Balance in the Modern World
Mahindra’s views align with the growing trend in many industries where flexibility and work-life balance are valued over long hours spent at the office. He emphasized that working long hours does not always equate to greater productivity or success. “Ask me what’s the quality of my work, don’t ask me how many hours I work,” he said, suggesting that business leaders should encourage their teams to work smarter, not harder.
Respect for Industry Veterans
Although Mahindra disagreed with the emphasis on long work hours, he made it clear that he has great respect for industry leaders like Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys. Mahindra acknowledged that successful entrepreneurs and business figures often have their own views on work ethics, but his perspective leans more toward a balanced approach where the focus is on delivering high-quality results rather than clocking in long hours.
Mahindra’s Personal Approach to Work-Life Balance
While Mahindra did not give a specific number of hours he works each week, he made it clear that his approach to work is about balance and quality. He also humorously referenced his personal life, noting that he enjoys spending time with his wife, and isn’t on X because he is lonely. His message is clear: work is important, but life outside of work is equally essential for long-term success and happiness.
Conclusion
Anand Mahindra’s comments on X and work-life balance provide a refreshing perspective on how modern business leaders can approach technology and work ethics. Social media platforms like X offer incredible opportunities for businesses to engage with large audiences and gather feedback, making them essential tools in today’s digital age. However, when it comes to work, Mahindra encourages a focus on quality rather than the sheer number of hours worked. For him, success lies in working smarter, not harder, and leveraging the right tools to make informed decisions and grow a business.
