We’ve all heard it before. The leader who proudly declares, “I worked until 2 AM last night,” as though it’s a badge of honor. While their intention might be to inspire dedication, this message often backfires. It sets an unspoken expectation that working beyond limits is a sign of commitment, and worse, a requirement for success.

Welcome to the toxic side of hustle culture, where overwork is glorified, and rest is seen as weakness. This mindset not only damages workplace culture but also takes a significant toll on mental health, often leading to burnout, disengagement, and, tragically, even loss of life.

The Dangerous Message Behind “I Worked Late”

When leaders share stories of late nights and endless hours, it creates a ripple effect:

• Implied Expectations: Employees feel pressured to match that level of effort, even if it’s unsustainable.
• Erosion of Boundaries: Work begins to seep into personal time, leaving no room for rest or recovery.
• Normalized Burnout: Overworking becomes the norm, not the exception.

What’s worse is that employees often emulate the behavior of their leaders. If a director proudly discusses their midnight grind, team members may feel guilty for logging off “too early” at 7 PM.

The Human Cost of Overwork

The consequences of this glorified overworking culture can be severe, leading to physical and mental health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that overworking was linked to 745,000 deaths globally in 2016, illustrating the dire implications of excessive work hours. Chronic stress from overwork can result in anxiety, depression, and even physical ailments such as heart disease and high blood pressure.

The impact of glorifying overwork goes beyond missed sleep; it can have devastating consequences. Let’s look at a few real-life examples:

1. Karoshi in Japan: The term karoshi, meaning “death by overwork,” originated in Japan, where long working hours have led to heart attacks, strokes, and suicides. The death of Matsuri Takahashi, a 24-year-old employee at Dentsu, a major advertising agency, shocked the nation in 2015. She regularly worked over 100 hours of overtime a month before taking her own life.
2. The Goldman Sachs Incident: In 2021, a leaked survey from junior analysts at Goldman Sachs revealed that many were working over 100-hour weeks. One analyst wrote, “I didn’t come into this job expecting 9-5, but I also didn’t expect constant abuse.” Stories like these spotlight the extreme toll that overwork takes, especially in high-pressure industries.
3. Puneet Kumar’s Tragedy: In India, a young IT professional, Puneet Kumar, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest after months of grueling 14-16 hour workdays. His story became a cautionary tale about the price of relentless hustle.
4. Ernst & Young’s Overwhelming Workload: In 2024, a 26 year old employee Anna Sebastian Perayil died due to “overwhelming workload”. She had joined EY just four months before succumbing to work pressure. Worst of all, no one from EY even attended her funeral. This showed how easily people can be replaced at work.

These aren’t just isolated incidents, they’re symptoms of a systemic issue where overwork is not only accepted but celebrated.

Why Glorifying Overwork is Culturally Damaging

1. Burnout Becomes Inevitable Employees pushed to their limits will eventually hit a wall. The World Health Organization officially classifies burnout as an occupational phenomenon, characterized by chronic workplace stress that hasn’t been successfully managed.
2. Productivity Paradox Research shows that working long hours doesn’t equate to higher productivity. In fact, overworked employees are more prone to mistakes, reduced creativity, and declining overall output.
3. Decline in Mental and Physical Health Constant overwork increases the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and even premature death. It creates a workplace where health is sacrificed for perceived success.
4. Loss of Talent Organizations that perpetuate overworking lose talented employees to burnout or attrition. Millennials and Gen Z workers, in particular, prioritize work-life balance and are more likely to leave toxic environments.

How Leaders Can Set a Healthier Example

1. Model Healthy Boundaries: Instead of boasting about late-night work, talk about the importance of rest and balance. Share stories of success achieved without sacrificing well-being.
2. Reward Results, Not Hours: Focus on what employees accomplish, not how long they spend at their desks. Recognize efficiency and creativity over sheer time commitment.
3. Normalize Flexibility: Encourage employees to disconnect after hours and take time off when needed. Make it clear that work-life balance is not just allowed but celebrated.
4. Foster Open Conversations: Create a culture where employees feel safe discussing stress and mental health without fear of judgment.

A Better Way Forward

As leaders, we have a responsibility to shape workplace culture in a way that prioritizes well-being over endless hustle. Let’s move away from glorifying overwork and start celebrating sustainable success. Because the truth is, a healthy, rested, and engaged workforce isn’t just good for employees, it’s good for business too.