Work schedules like 9-9-6 or even 0 -0- 2 have been trending lately, symbolic of extreme work hours that push boundaries in today’s fast-paced world. While the narrative often celebrates grit and hustle, at TalentMint we believe it’s time to take a step back and ask: Is this sustainable? And more importantly, does it serve people and businesses well?
Workload vs. Well-Being
In many industries, especially tech and start-ups, long hours have become a badge of honor. Teams pour in extra time, driven by passion, innovation, and often an urgency to stay ahead. But extended hours without purpose can lead to fatigue, disengagement, and reduced productivity over time.
Flexibility Matters
With changes in how and where work happens, rigid office hours no longer fit every role. Remote and hybrid arrangements give employees space to manage their time better, striking a healthier balance between work, personal well-being, and family commitments.
We believe flexibility shouldn’t just be a perk, it should be part of a company’s culture strategy when it aligns with business goals and employee needs.
Clarity, Purpose & Respect
Whether you’re hiring or joining a team, clear expectations help both employers and candidates decide if it’s the right fit. This means openly communicating workload expectations and role demands especially when they go beyond the norm.
When organisations connect meaningful purpose with performance expectations and support their teams accordingly, extraordinary results follow.
Our Takeaway
At TalentMint, we’ve seen that performance thrives when employees feel supported, valued, and aligned with their organisation’s mission, not merely exhausted. When talent feels heard and empowered, engagement increases and results improve.
Hard work and dedication will always be part of growth and success. But at TalentMint, we advocate for intentional effort; not burnout culture. Work that inspires, respects wellbeing, and creates impact isn’t about clocking the longest hours; it’s about achieving results while nurturing people.
If organisations want talent that stays motivated and performs at its best, they must balance ambition with empathy, clarity with challenge, and expectations with empowerment.