99% of Indians Wouldn’t Work If They Didn’t Have To? A CEO’s Controversial Claim Sparks Debate on India’s Work Ethos

Introduction: The Untold Truth Behind ‘Majboori’ and India’s Work Culture

In a viral LinkedIn post, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, set off a firestorm by saying, “99% of Indians wouldn’t show up to work if they had enough money.” While his comment was certainly provocative, it got people talking about one of India’s most enduring concepts: “majboori,” or compulsion. For many, the notion of work has been entwined with necessity, duty, and survival.

But, let’s dig deeper — beyond the hustle, beyond the paycheck — and examine the true complexities of work in India today. Why do so many feel forced to show up day in and day out? Is it only for money, or is there more at play?

Historical Influence: The Roots of Work Culture in India

The Caste System’s Legacy

The caste system may have been officially outlawed, but its remnants still linger in the way society views work. In ancient times, different castes were designated specific roles, from high-status priests and warriors to manual laborers. While the direct effects of the caste system are fading, some professions still carry an implicit social weight. For instance, manual labor or “blue-collar” jobs are often perceived as less prestigious, a leftover prejudice from caste-based labor assignments.

According to a 2020 report by IndiaSpend, nearly 85% of people working in manual labor jobs still belong to lower caste groups, though many have migrated to urban areas for better opportunities. The push for equality and fairness in professional opportunities is still a work in progress.

The Colonial Impact: A Legacy of Necessity

British colonialism significantly reshaped India’s economic landscape, forcing millions into exploitative labor practices. The British promoted agriculture and resource extraction over industrialization, reinforcing an economy dependent on manual labor for survival. This historical context created a system where work was seen as a necessity, a means to survive rather than to thrive or grow.

This colonial framework entrenched the idea that a “good job” was one that paid well enough to live, pushing most Indians into jobs they often didn’t choose. Even today, we see generations clinging to secure, often monotonous roles in hopes of economic stability.

The Societal Pressures: A Never-Ending Cycle

The Pressure to Marry and Settle Down

In many Indian households, there’s a deeply ingrained societal expectation that you marry and “settle down” by a certain age. This pressure can push individuals toward stable, well-paying jobs, regardless of personal interests. “A steady job with a secure income is the only way to meet those expectations,” says Priya Sharma, a 32-year-old IT professional from Mumbai.

In fact, a 2018 survey by the Centre for Social Development found that 70% of women aged 25–30 chose careers based on family expectations and financial stability rather than personal passion or interest.

The ‘Log Kya Kahenge’ Syndrome

The famous Indian phrase “log kya kahenge” (What will people say?) often compels people to follow traditional career paths instead of pursuing their dreams. The social pressure to maintain a certain image—such as a well-paying, respectable job—sometimes outweighs personal fulfillment.

Take Anil, a 29-year-old engineer from Delhi, who confesses, “I wanted to become an artist, but my family wouldn’t hear of it. Now I’m stuck in a job I hate, just to avoid judgment from society.” This dilemma is all too common in urban and rural households alike.

Intergenerational Work Attitudes: Tradition Meets Modernity

Older generations often equate job security with success, placing greater emphasis on stability than job satisfaction. Meanwhile, millennials and Generation Z are increasingly placing value on work-life balance, job flexibility, and pursuing a meaningful career. According to a 2022 Gallup poll, 62% of younger Indian workers (aged 18–34) prioritize passion and purpose over salary, compared to just 33% of those aged 55 and above.

The shift is evident in the growing popularity of remote work, freelancing, and gig economy jobs. Platforms like Upwork and Freelancer have seen an explosion of Indian freelancers in recent years, especially among the youth. In fact, India’s freelance workforce is expected to grow by 20% annually, with over 15 million professionals engaged in freelancing in 2024.

Gender Disparities: An Unspoken Challenge

India’s workforce remains heavily gendered, with women facing unique barriers in the workplace. Traditional roles, societal expectations of child-rearing, and pressure to maintain a household often push women into lower-paying jobs or force them to quit altogether. A 2019 study by the International Labour Organization found that only 27% of Indian women were active in the workforce, one of the lowest participation rates in the world.

For many women, the pressure to balance career ambitions with family responsibilities is overwhelming, often making them feel like their choices are driven by external circumstances rather than personal desire.

Rural vs. Urban: A Divide in Work Culture

India’s rural-urban divide plays a crucial role in shaping work motivations. In rural areas, agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, with over 60% of India’s population still dependent on farming. However, these jobs often come with little financial reward and limited social mobility.

In contrast, urban areas offer a wider array of opportunities, especially in sectors like IT, finance, and education. According to data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, urban areas account for more than 60% of India’s GDP, creating a vast difference in work opportunities and motivations between rural and urban populations.

Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs: A Unique Blend of Passion and Necessity

For many small business owners and entrepreneurs, the drive to work is fueled by a mix of financial need, personal passion, and the desire to create something of their own. Small business ownership has long been a way for Indians to break free from traditional job structures, although it comes with its own set of challenges.

India boasts the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 50,000 new startups launched each year. While the majority of these startups struggle due to financing and market conditions, many entrepreneurs are motivated by the freedom of creating something unique rather than the paycheck alone.

Moving Toward a More Supportive Future: What Employers Can Do

Promoting Skill Development & Education

One of the key solutions to breaking the cycle of “majboori” is improving access to education and skill development. Companies like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys are investing heavily in upskilling programs, offering their employees opportunities to grow professionally and personally.

Fostering a Supportive Work Environment

Employers must step up to create an inclusive, employee-centric work environment. This includes offering flexible working hours, mental health support, and career development programs that go beyond just the paycheck. A 2021 survey by LinkedIn revealed that 52% of employees in India value workplace culture and benefits more than salary.

Strengthening Social Safety Nets

Lastly, stronger social safety nets and unemployment benefits can cushion the blow for those who face periods of economic hardship. As the country moves toward a more dynamic, gig-driven economy, it’s essential to ensure that the labor force is adequately protected.

Conclusion: The Changing Face of Work in India

While Deshpande’s comments highlight a valid reality of economic necessity driving India’s workforce, they also overlook the other critical motivators: purpose, passion, and social impact. As the workforce continues to evolve, so too will the motivations and structures that guide it. For the next generation, work might no longer be just about money — it could be about meaning, flexibility, and freedom.

India’s work culture is complex, but as the nation continues to modernize, it’s important to create a system that balances security with self-expression, tradition with innovation, and necessity with passion.