indian CA Jyoti saini recently shared a video that has gone viral. Shot at 5:10 PM, her office in the Netherlands? Completely empty. Not a single soul lingering behind, the workday done.
Meanwhile, back home in india, offices are just “warming up” after 5 PM. Employees are grinding late into the night, competing silently with colleagues over who looks more dedicated. But why is there such a stark difference in work culture? Brace yourself—it’s not pretty.
💀 1. Too Many people, Too Few Opportunities
india has a population explosion and a talent glut. Millions of resumes chasing the same handful of positions means employees are under constant pressure to outshine each other. When survival is competition, staying late becomes a badge of honor.
⏱ 2. More Hours ≠ Better Work
In europe, high skill levels mean a task that takes 2 hours there might take 5 hours here. indian employees are often forced to overcompensate for inefficiency—more hours just to get the same work done. It’s like running on a treadmill that never ends.
👀 3. Obedience Over Talent
Senior management in many indian offices mistakes loyalty for obedience. Say yes to everything, stay late, nod along—congratulations, you’re “dedicated.” Real innovation? Less valued than clocking extra hours.
🤝 4. The Toxic “If They Stay, I Stay” Culture
Social proof in indian offices is brutal. You see your colleague at 8 PM? You'd better stay till 9. Because showing up late might make you look lazy. It’s peer pressure disguised as professionalism, a cycle of unnecessary late hours.
🏆 5. Europe Wins With Results, Not Hours
Contrast that with Europe: employees leave on time because performance is measured by output, not grind hours. Work smart, not long. The Netherlands’ 5:10 PM empty offices are proof that efficiency wins over empty desks.
⚡ 6. The Second Shift: indian “Overtime Olympics”
In india, post-5 PM isn’t downtime—it’s the second shift of competition. Employees prove their dedication through hours, even if the actual work could be done earlier. The result? Burnout, stress, and a glorified culture of suffering.
🧨 Bottom Line
While europe clocks out and enjoys life after work, india treats late office hours as a status symbol. This isn’t just about hard work—it’s a systemic, competitive, survival-of-the-fittest culture that punishes efficiency and rewards endurance.
indian offices aren’t just workplaces—they’re grinding arenas, and if you’re not careful, the “late-night badge of honor” could cost your health, sanity, and happiness.
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