In a candid and thought-provoking statement, Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, has sparked a debate on India’s work culture and wealth disparity.
Shantanu recently shared his insights on LinkedIn, claiming that 99% of people would not show up to work if they were provided with financial security.
He emphasized that the primary reason many Indians continue to work is for financial sustenance.
Bombay Shaving Company CEO on Wealth Disparity
Shantanu’s comments have drawn attention to the significant wealth gap in India.
He pointed out that just 2,000 families control 18% of the nation’s wealth, yet their contribution to taxes is disproportionately low, at less than 1.8%.
This disparity, he argued, underscores the inequities in the current economic system.
Reflecting on the work culture, Shantanu noted that many people are dissatisfied with their jobs.
This dissatisfaction spans across various sectors from blue-collar workers to government employees and even those in seemingly employee-friendly startups.
Shantanu likened the work culture to a “dangling carrot” system, where individuals are compelled to work long hours away from their families for the promise of a paycheck.
He stated, “We pull people away from their homes and families all day, sometimes for weeks, with the promise of a paycheck dangling in front of them.
We’ve come to accept this because it’s been the norm for over 250 years. That’s how nations have been built, so we do it.”
A Call for Change
Shantanu concluded his post by urging those with resources to be kind and generous, and to help uplift as many people as possible.
His remarks have resonated with many, sparking discussions on the need for systemic changes to address these deep-rooted issues.
Shantanu’s post has received more than 3,800 reactions and over 250 comments. Many people agree that the current work culture needs a significant overhaul.
Shantanu’s statement highlights a troubling reality: the primary reason people continue working in India is financial sustenance.
He wrote, “One of the tragic and late realizations I’ve had is that most people don’t like their jobs.”
Shantanu added, “If everyone in India was given sustenance money and financial security their current jobs give them, 99 percent won’t show up to work the next day.”
He added that this situation is common across all sectors, including blue-collar workers, government employees, gig workers, and factory employees.
It also affects insurance salesmen, bankers, small business owners, and even employees in employee-friendly startups like his own.
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