Bombay Shaving Company CEO Critiques Indian Work Culture in Viral LinkedIn Post
Shantanu Deshpande, the CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, ignited a conversation around work culture and economic disparities in India through a thought-provoking post on LinkedIn. His insights, which delve into employee dissatisfaction, systemic inequities, and the responsibilities of the privileged, have drawn widespread attention and sparked debate.
Most Indian Employees Dislike Their Jobs
Deshpande shared a sobering observation, claiming that a majority of Indian employees are unhappy with their jobs. He stated that if their financial needs were met and sustainable income provided, 99% of workers across various industries would choose to quit immediately. According to him, this dissatisfaction transcends professional sectors, from blue-collar workers and government employees to gig economy workers and startups.
Work as a “Majboori” for Most Indians
Expanding on his perspective, Deshpande highlighted the harsh reality for many Indian workers, where employment is driven by necessity rather than passion or fulfillment. For the majority, work becomes a “majboori” – a compulsion to support their families, including spouses, children, elderly parents, or dependent siblings.
A Flawed “Dangling Carrot” System
In his critique of the Indian work culture, Deshpande compared the current system to a “dangling carrot” approach. He described how workers are lured away from their homes and families for long hours, or even weeks, with the promise of a paycheck. He reflected on how this exploitative model has persisted for over 250 years, rationalized as a necessity for nation-building.
Wealth Disparity and Tax Inequity in India
The CEO also addressed the glaring wealth disparity in India, drawing attention to the fact that 2,000 families control 18% of the nation’s wealth. He pointed out that these families contribute less than 1.8% of taxes, a statistic he found staggering and unfair. While acknowledging his own privileged position as part of the elite group that benefits from systemic inequities, Deshpande expressed unease about perpetuating the “work hard and climb up” narrative.
Limited Social Mobility in India
While discussing economic opportunities, Deshpande acknowledged that although 75% of billionaires are self-made, the proportion of people who manage to achieve such success is extremely small. This limited upward mobility leaves most individuals grappling with systemic challenges and struggling to improve their socioeconomic status.
A Call for Compassion from the Privileged
Deshpande concluded his post with a heartfelt appeal for compassion and generosity from those who are privileged. He urged people to recognize the invisible burdens carried by countless individuals and to do their part in uplifting others. Deshpande emphasized that kindness and generosity can significantly ease the hardships faced by many and bring about meaningful change.
This candid and critical take on Indian work culture and economic disparity has not only sparked conversation but also challenged many to reevaluate their perspectives on privilege, work, and societal responsibility.
Conclusion: A Sobering Reflection on Work, Wealth, and Responsibility
Shantanu Deshpande’s thought-provoking post serves as both a critique and a wake-up call for Indian society. By highlighting the widespread dissatisfaction with work, the systemic inequities in wealth distribution, and the burden of invisible struggles carried by most workers, he sheds light on issues that demand urgent attention. His call for the privileged to embrace compassion and actively uplift others resonates as a powerful reminder that societal progress depends not only on economic growth but also on empathy and shared responsibility. Deshpande’s reflections encourage individuals, businesses, and policymakers to challenge the status quo, promote equity, and foster a culture of kindness and support in both professional and personal spheres.
