"Connecting communities, empowering nations: Unifying the Regional and Global Economy ."

Long working hours have often been associated with increased productivity and economic growth. However, the reality of this notion is much more complex, particularly in the informal sector, where workers endure extended shifts without adequate compensation or social security. During my working in different industrial clusters, I observed that workers in various verticals, such as textiles, handicrafts, construction, and food processing, frequently work excessive hours, especially during peak seasons. Unfortunately, since most of these workers belong to the informal sector, there is little to no regulatory oversight, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.

The Seasonal Nature of Work and Extended Hours

In many industrial clusters, production cycles follow a seasonal pattern, leading to a surge in demand for labor during peak periods. For example:

Textile and Garment Industry: The demand for garments rises before festival seasons and major export cycles, forcing workers to extend their shifts to meet tight deadlines.

Handicrafts and Artisanal Products: Orders for handicrafts surge during international trade fairs and peak retail seasons, compelling artisans to work day and night to fulfill bulk orders.

Agriculture and Food Processing: During harvest seasons, laborers in food processing plants work prolonged hours to ensure perishables do not go to waste.

Construction and Infrastructure: Major infrastructure projects operate under strict deadlines, leading to extended working hours for laborers, particularly before government inspections or funding reviews.

Despite the increased workload, these workers rarely receive overtime pay or additional benefits. The lack of formal contracts and labor rights leaves them in precarious working conditions, reinforcing the myth that long working hours translate to better earnings.

The Economic Fallacy of Long Working Hours

While long hours may seem to boost productivity in the short run, research suggests that overworking leads to diminishing returns. Industries that overburden workers often face:

Reduced Efficiency: Fatigue and stress lower cognitive abilities, leading to errors and inefficiencies in production.

Health Implications: Prolonged work hours contribute to chronic health issues, such as musculoskeletal disorders and mental fatigue, resulting in increased absenteeism.

Workplace Accidents: Tired workers are more prone to accidents, particularly in hazardous environments like construction and manufacturing units.

High Attrition Rates: Without sustainable working conditions, industries experience high labor turnover, leading to a loss of skilled workforce and increased training costs.

Why Is There No Attention on Informal Workers?

The informal sector remains largely unregulated due to several factors:

Lack of Formal Contracts: Most informal workers are hired on verbal agreements, making it difficult to enforce labor laws.

Weak Labor Inspections: Government agencies often focus on the formal sector, leaving informal workers without proper monitoring or protections.

Fear of Job Loss: Workers hesitate to demand better conditions due to the fear of losing their livelihood.

Employer Justifications: Many employers argue that long hours are necessary to remain competitive in the global market, particularly in labor-intensive industries.

The Need for Policy Interventions

Addressing the myth of long working hours requires a multi-pronged approach:

Legal Protections: Governments should enforce working hour limits and mandate fair compensation, even in informal setups.

Social Security for Informal Workers: Access to healthcare, pension schemes, and accident insurance should be expanded to include informal sector workers.

Skill Development and Productivity Enhancement: Training programs can help workers increase efficiency without extending work hours.

Awareness and Advocacy: Trade unions and civil society organizations must advocate for fair labor practices and push for reforms in industrial clusters.

The belief that long working hours equate to higher productivity is a dangerous myth that exploits informal workers. Instead of extended shifts, industries must focus on sustainable work practices that enhance productivity without compromising worker well-being. With proper regulations, employer accountability, and worker awareness, we can transition towards a more equitable industrial framework where productivity and labor rights go hand in hand.