In a thought-provoking LinkedIn post, Nistha Tripathi, co-founder of the education consulting firm 24NorthStar, challenges the prevailing notion in Indian workplaces that long hours equate to seriousness and productivity. She describes a common sentiment among Indian employees who feel guilty for leaving work at 6 PM, regardless of their performance or effort. This contrasts sharply with her experiences working with European teams, where employees log off at 5 PM without guilt or the need for explanations, yet still meet deadlines. Tripathi notes that many Indian professionals in multinational companies often adjust their schedules to accommodate teams in the US and Europe, leading to late-night calls. She emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how workplaces measure value, advocating for energy management and personal boundaries as more meaningful indicators of productivity. Her closing remark encapsulates her argument: “Being available 24/7 doesn’t make you valuable; it means you are taken for granted.”