Are 12-Hour Work Shifts the Future? Here’s What Professionals Think

The Karnataka government is considering introducing 12-hour work shifts across industries in the state. While others believe that longer working hours will increase efficiency and lower operating expenses, many are more concerned about their impact on employee health, mental well-being, and work-life balance.

This discussion comes at a time when employees are already facing high levels of stress. The State Emotional Wellbeing Report 2024 revealed that 90% of corporate employees under 25 experience some form of anxiety at work. As workplaces evolve, the importance of striking a balance between productivity and employee health has never been more crucial.

To understand how professionals feel about this change, Veranda HigherEd ran a LinkedIn poll asking:

Let’s break down what these responses mean.

No, that’s too much – 55%

It is not surprising that over half the respondents felt a 12-hour workday would be too overwhelming. For many, extended shifts bring fatigue and stress, and they can take a toll on both physical and mental health.

Here is why it matters:

-The International Labour Organisation research suggests a 40-hour week and suggests that exceeding 48 hours regularly will damage productivity and well-being.

-A PMC study revealed that 12-hour shifts decrease time for social life, family, and rest, causing burnout and anxiety.

-In the IT industry of Karnataka, worker unions such as KITU opposed the normalization of 12-hour shifts, stating it may increase corporate anxiety and destroy work-life balance.

Here is how companies can help if such shifts are introduced:

Yes, if the pay is good – 20%

20% of respondents reported that they would take on 12-hour shifts if compensation were competitive. For them, financial stability and increased earnings could offset the longer hours.

Here is why it matters:

-Reports by Circadian state that Karnataka's proposed amendments in the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act include overtime, but worker unions are still negotiating safeguards.

Here is how companies can support these employees:

-Provide options for staggered work schedules to avoid exhaustion.

-Introduce health check-ups and wellness allowances as part of compensation packages.

Maybe, with flexibility – 20%

Another 20% said they might accept 12-hour shifts if flexibility was offered, such as compressed workweeks or remote work options.

Here is why it matters:

-It decreases the daily commute stress and provides employees with more uninterrupted "white space" to rest and renew.

Here is the way flexibility can impact:

-Provide employees with the option to opt between regular and compressed workweeks.

-Provide hybrid work designs so employees can balance personal obligations better.

-Develop policies that enable shift-trading or flexible start and end times.

Not sure yet – 5%

A small group remains undecided. This is probably because the expectations of 12-hour shifts vary with people's jobs, sectors, and personal lives.

Here is why it matters:

-Longer shifts for some workers may mean lifestyle advantages such as additional days off, but others will find it difficult to manage the physical and mental pressures.

- International research has blended results with 12-hour shifts: effective in certain environments but causes turnover problems in others.

This is the way to assist workers in making a decision:

- Inform workers on both the advantages and disadvantages of overtime shifts.

- Perform test drives or pilot projects to gauge effectiveness prior to mass implementation.

- Get feedback from staff to guide policies that are conducive to different needs.

According to the data shared by Grand Canyon University, poor work-life balance affects people both actively and passively. It highlights that family relationships (48%) and friendships (47%) suffer the most, referring to working professionals spending less time with loved ones. Self-care (38%), mental and emotional health (37%), and physical health (35%) are also impacted, indicating that people are neglecting their well-being due to work pressures. Overall, poor work-life balance is detrimental to both personal relationships and overall health. 

The Final Takeaway

The idea of 12-hour shifts has sparked a strong reaction in Karnataka’s workforce. While the majority worry about health and work-life balance, a significant number are open to it with better pay or flexibility.

As Narayana Murthy recently pointed out in his remarks on productivity, the challenge is to create workplaces that are both efficient and humane. If implemented with care, extended work hours could suit certain roles and industries. However, without thoughtful planning, they risk becoming a source of stress and burnout for India’s young workforce.

The real question is: Can companies keep a balance between productivity and people?