Ratan Tata said, "I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life integration . Make your work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and they will complement each other." Present circumstances have made life far more competitive, demanding, and stressful, resulting in a spike in lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The proverbial work-life balance is no longer relevant. What is work? Is it an activity that one enjoys? Is it a necessity to survive? Or is it some activity to keep the mind busy and engaged?
Indic scriptures and philosophy regard work as a duty to be performed without expectation. The Bhagwad Gita says, ' Karmanye Vadhikaraste , Ma phaleshu kadachana' - you have the right to perform actions, but you are not entitled to their fruits. That seems to be utopian. Almost everyone works for pecuniary considerations. Capitalism is all about wealth creation . In a society driven mainly by materialism, is it possible to work selflessly with scant regard to returns?
Capitalistic ideology is largely exploitative, obsessed with margins and return on investment (ROI). For most, it is a matter of riding the tiger. One cannot ever disembark. However, for a few, their relentlessness is more of an effort to attain the apex of Maslow's pyramid - self-actualisation. Wealth creation is just a byproduct of this process. In doing so, they impact the lives of all those working with them by making their lives prosperous not only from a materialistic standpoint but also by helping them evolve, inculcating values and inspiring them. ROI, from a capitalistic standpoint, deals with only fiscal returns. That's the tangible ROI.
There is also an intangible ROI. The joy of seeing one's creative ideas spawn into reality. A venture that simultaneously creates wealth and improves the lives of people. Some visionary leaders strive hard for the welfare of not just their flock but also the larger interests of society, making products more affordable even if they translate into smaller margins. This rare corporate breed is endowed with an unmistakable touch of social commitment. Their approach to wealth creation never reeks of the self-centric, ruthless and unforgiving corporate ethos. Instead, it is laced with the sweat on their brows and honesty. For them, compassion is a vital attribute to nurture and sustain on the path and in their vision, which they effortlessly pass on to their tribe.
Building and running industries with a humane value system is certainly the need of the hour. Improving work ethic and creating environments that respect and value every employee will go a long way in alleviating stress and ailments of the serving class, who form the backbone of society. One can create wealth by adopting a work ethic and not abandoning it. A work ethic that respects human values, breeds modesty and humility and transforms each member of the team into a karm yogi , an individual who works with sincerity, dedication and a deep respect for what he does. Because for such karm yogis, their work defines them. Their selfless approach to work and their commitment to their values pave their path to salvation.
Authored by: Deepak Ranade
Indic scriptures and philosophy regard work as a duty to be performed without expectation. The Bhagwad Gita says, ' Karmanye Vadhikaraste , Ma phaleshu kadachana' - you have the right to perform actions, but you are not entitled to their fruits. That seems to be utopian. Almost everyone works for pecuniary considerations. Capitalism is all about wealth creation . In a society driven mainly by materialism, is it possible to work selflessly with scant regard to returns?
Capitalistic ideology is largely exploitative, obsessed with margins and return on investment (ROI). For most, it is a matter of riding the tiger. One cannot ever disembark. However, for a few, their relentlessness is more of an effort to attain the apex of Maslow's pyramid - self-actualisation. Wealth creation is just a byproduct of this process. In doing so, they impact the lives of all those working with them by making their lives prosperous not only from a materialistic standpoint but also by helping them evolve, inculcating values and inspiring them. ROI, from a capitalistic standpoint, deals with only fiscal returns. That's the tangible ROI.
There is also an intangible ROI. The joy of seeing one's creative ideas spawn into reality. A venture that simultaneously creates wealth and improves the lives of people. Some visionary leaders strive hard for the welfare of not just their flock but also the larger interests of society, making products more affordable even if they translate into smaller margins. This rare corporate breed is endowed with an unmistakable touch of social commitment. Their approach to wealth creation never reeks of the self-centric, ruthless and unforgiving corporate ethos. Instead, it is laced with the sweat on their brows and honesty. For them, compassion is a vital attribute to nurture and sustain on the path and in their vision, which they effortlessly pass on to their tribe.
Building and running industries with a humane value system is certainly the need of the hour. Improving work ethic and creating environments that respect and value every employee will go a long way in alleviating stress and ailments of the serving class, who form the backbone of society. One can create wealth by adopting a work ethic and not abandoning it. A work ethic that respects human values, breeds modesty and humility and transforms each member of the team into a karm yogi , an individual who works with sincerity, dedication and a deep respect for what he does. Because for such karm yogis, their work defines them. Their selfless approach to work and their commitment to their values pave their path to salvation.
Authored by: Deepak Ranade
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