Work-life balance has become a frequently discussed subject lately, with Wipro executive chairman Rishad Premji acknowledging its significance as “incredibly important” whilst recognising it as a “controversial subject”. He maintains that corporate hybrid working arrangements benefit employees.
Rishad Premji’s comments come days after Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy reaffirmed his position supporting a 70-hour work-week and expressed concern about India’s transition from six-day to five-day workweeks in 1986, whilst rejecting the notion of work-life balance.
Post-Covid, whilst Indian IT services companies adopted hybrid working arrangements, organisations like TCS, Infosys and Wipro have increasingly requested office attendance. However, many firms maintain flexibility.
Speaking at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, the Wipro group promoter said, “Work-life balance is incredibly important. I learned this very early on in my early days before Covid, which is work life is something that you have to define for yourself, organizations are never going to work at it for you. So you have to define what it means and draw boundaries.”
Also Read | When Narayana Murthy touched Ratan Tata’s feet
Premji noted that the understanding of work-life has evolved significantly. Previously, it centered on office arrival and departure times, whereas now it might involve considerations such as managing “Instagram access at work.”
“The concept of what it means is simply not ours, it is also the freedom of what I can do with my time while at work, but not working,” Premji elaborated.
Premji said, “The one model that IT industry has adopted, and I think the government has been supportive of is a more hybrid model of work. It is a controversial subject. But we, as a company, have said, we won’t be able to come three days a week, but we want you to have the flexibility of having two days on your work place. That certainly helps with the workforce.”
Addressing employee mental health and work-life balance, Premji noted the positive development of companies openly discussing these previously taboo subjects, particularly following the 2020 pandemic.
He highlighted Wipro’s initiative to train managers in recognising signs and conducting open discussions sensitively with staff. “I think are very powerful,” Premji concluded.

In today’s busy world, balancing work, family, and personal well-being is an aspiration many strive for. Here’s a peek into the day of a girl, a professional, a mom, and a person committed to maintaining her health and happiness while juggling all three.

Morning: A Calm and Productive Start

5:30 AM – Waking Up Mindfully

She begins her day early, giving herself a quiet moment before anyone else is awake. She starts with a few minutes of meditation, focusing on her breath and intentions for the day. This grounding practice helps her set a positive tone for the hours ahead.

6:00 AM – Exercise Routine

Exercise is non-negotiable. Some mornings, she enjoys a brisk walk outdoors, and on others, she practices yoga at home. These morning movements reenergize her, boosting her focus and mood for the day ahead.

6:30 AM – Healthy Breakfast Prep

As she finishes her workout, she prepares a nutritious breakfast for her family. She believes that a wholesome breakfast sets everyone up for a productive day, so she keeps it balanced with fruits, whole grains, and protein.

7:00 AM – Family Time

Before everyone leaves for work and school, she dedicates half an hour to connect with her family. They share breakfast, discuss plans for the day, and enjoy light conversation. This time brings them closer and sets a positive start for everyone.

Workday: Managing Responsibilities Efficiently

8:00 AM – Starting Work

She begins her work with a clear to-do list, crafted the day before. Prioritizing tasks based on urgency, she takes on the most challenging assignments first, using her morning focus to power through them. She minimizes distractions by setting her phone to “Do Not Disturb” and checking emails only at specific intervals.

10:30 AM – Mid-Morning Break

After a few productive hours, she takes a short break. She stretches, sips on water, and grabs a small snack to keep her energy levels steady. This time also helps her reset her focus for the next set of tasks.

12:30 PM – Lunch and a Quick Walk

She prioritizes stepping away from her desk for lunch. She enjoys a healthy, balanced meal and, if possible, takes a short walk around her office or neighborhood. This midday pause refreshes her mind, helping her feel more productive for the afternoon tasks.

3:00 PM – Afternoon Check-in and Wrapping Up

In the afternoon, she reviews her progress and ties up any loose ends. Before concluding her workday, she updates her to-do list and leaves a few notes for tomorrow’s tasks. This habit gives her a sense of closure, allowing her to transition smoothly to family time.

Evening: Quality Time with Family and Self-Care

5:00 PM – Family Connection and Unwinding

She wraps up work and shifts her focus entirely to her family. She spends time with her kids, helping with homework and catching up on their day. This daily ritual helps her build stronger bonds with her family members and be present for them.

6:30 PM – Dinner Together

For her, dinnertime is a sacred family gathering. They prepare and enjoy a meal together, sharing stories and laughter. This time offers everyone an opportunity to connect, communicate, and strengthen family bonds.

7:30 PM – Evening Walk or Leisure Activity

After dinner, she often takes a short family walk or enjoys a fun activity at home, like a board game or movie night. This quality time brings relaxation and happiness to the entire family.

8:30 PM – Self-Care and Winding Down

As the day winds down, she dedicates time to herself. She enjoys reading, journaling, or indulging in a skincare routine, which helps her unwind and reconnect with herself. This self-care time reminds her of the importance of nurturing her own needs, ensuring she can face each day with enthusiasm and resilience.

9:30 PM – Planning for Tomorrow and Sleep

Before bed, she briefly reviews her calendar and prepares anything she’ll need for the morning, like her workout clothes or a packed lunch. She then shuts down all screens at least 30 minutes before bed, winding down with a few pages of her current book. By 10:00 PM, she is ready to sleep, ensuring she gets the rest she needs for another fulfilling day.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)