Namita Thapar, the sharp and fearless judge from Shark Tank India, has just dropped a truth bomb that’s shaking up the entire IT industry. And it’s not about funding, pitches, or the latest startup craze—it’s about how we work.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Namita urged the IT sector to stop glorifying long working hours and, instead, focus on boosting productivity. According to her, it’s not about how long you work, it’s about how effectively you work.
With millions of IT professionals across the globe working endless hours to meet deadlines and expectations, Namita’s post has sparked a heated debate—and it’s going viral for all the right reasons.
The Shocking Reality: IT Workers Are Burned Out and It’s Not Helping Anyone
If you’re in the IT industry, you’ve probably been there: late nights, weekend work, and that constant pressure to do more in less time. But here’s the thing: longer hours don’t necessarily lead to better results.
In fact, Namita Thapar argues that it might actually be doing the opposite. By pushing employees to work longer hours, companies are risking burnout, stress, and ultimately, lower productivity. Think about it—what’s the point of staying late at the office if the work is sloppy, the team is exhausted, and no one is truly engaged?
Thapar’s solution? Let’s stop focusing on working more hours and start focusing on working smarter. Simple, right?
Why Namita’s Message is a Wake-Up Call for the IT Industry
In her tweet, Thapar made it clear: it’s time to shift the conversation in the IT sector. Instead of endlessly discussing how to make employees work longer, the focus should be on making them more productive in less time.
But why does this matter? The IT industry is booming globally, and with that comes an immense amount of pressure. From coding marathons to high-stakes projects, the demand for productivity is at an all-time high. But despite this, mental health issues, burnout, and high turnover rates have skyrocketed, with many workers feeling like they’re stuck in a never-ending cycle of stress.
Thapar’s call to action couldn’t be more timely: It’s time to prioritize results over hours. After all, isn’t the real goal to get the job done efficiently, not to burn out employees in the process?
How Can IT Companies Boost Productivity Without Pushing Employees to the Brink?
It’s not just about working less; it’s about working smart. And here’s where the IT sector has an opportunity to transform the way it operates. Namita Thapar is urging companies to rethink their approach, and here’s how they can do it:
1. Technology to the Rescue: Tools to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Instead of relying on sheer effort, IT companies need to embrace advanced tools that help employees automate and optimize their work. From AI-driven task management systems to cloud-based collaboration platforms, the right technology can help teams complete projects faster, more efficiently, and with better results.
2. Give Employees the Freedom to Work When They’re Most Productive
One of the most effective ways to boost productivity is to give employees more control over their schedules. By allowing flexible hours or even implementing remote work policies, employees can work during their peak hours—whether that’s early in the morning or late at night—leading to better outcomes without the need for long office hours.
3. Focus on Results, Not Time Spent
Rather than clock-watching, companies should measure productivity based on deliverables and quality of work. Thapar believes it’s about setting clear expectations and empowering teams to reach their goals—without micromanaging or expecting them to work themselves to the bone.
4. Encourage Breaks and Downtime for a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining focus and creativity. Companies should encourage employees to step away from their desks to recharge—whether it’s a quick walk, a lunch break, or even a power nap. Namita Thapar has pointed out that true productivity comes from balance, not from endless hours of grind.
The Response: IT Industry Leaders Are Listening
Thapar’s statement is already causing ripples across the IT industry. Leading companies are now asking themselves: Are we getting the most out of our employees by expecting longer hours, or are we just burning them out?
Many leaders are realizing that it’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Already, some IT companies are adopting more flexible work structures, rethinking deadlines, and implementing mental health resources for employees. The goal? To keep workers happy, healthy, and most importantly—productive.
Namita’s Bold Stand: A Glimpse Into the Future of Work?
Thapar’s words aren’t just a critique—they’re a call to action for the entire industry. In a world where the line between work and life is becoming increasingly blurred, it’s essential that we start questioning the long-held assumption that more hours equal more output.
As we look toward the future, Thapar’s push for efficiency over hours could set a new standard for the global IT workforce. If more companies adopt this mindset, we might see a major shift toward healthier, happier, and more productive employees—and that’s something worth celebrating.
The Bottom Line: Work Smarter, Not Harder
As Namita Thapar rightly points out, the focus should not be on how much time employees spend working, but on how effectively they can achieve their goals in less time. The future of the IT industry is about quality over quantity, smart tools over long hours, and well-being over burnout.
So, the next time someone tells you to work harder, remember this: It’s not about the hours you put in—it’s about the value you create in the time you have.