Strategic Brilliance: Real-life Tales of Indian Women Mastering Smart Work in the Workplace
In India’s dynamic professional world, women are crafting stories of success that go beyond the traditional narrative of workaholism. As the workplace evolves, the shift from being workaholics to adopting smart work strategies becomes imperative for sustainable success. I conducted a survey and explored the real-life stories of Indian women who have embraced smart work, emphasizing efficiency, balance, and well-being to achieve their professional goals.
India, a country known for its diverse culture and dynamic economy, has long grappled with the workaholic mindset, where success is often measured by the sheer number of hours spent at the workplace. The seed of this mentality has been sown since the day we stepped into the world of education. Remember schools had an award for full attendance? At the end of an academic year, during the annual day functions, most of the schools in India have a system of congratulating students who took no leaves and were regular to school. Parents, who want their kids to be on top of everything, push them to school even when they are down with a fever; because the award is important. This attitude is conditioned into our minds that when we go for a job, we try to keep up with this mindset, dragging us into burnout!
This approach, however, is undergoing a transformation as women redefine their professional journeys, challenging stereotypes and creating a more inclusive narrative of success.
Anusha Girivas – Navigating the Tech Industry
Anusha Girivas, a software engineer based in Bengaluru, found herself initially caught in the workaholic trap prevalent in the tech industry. “There’s this unspoken expectation to always be available, working late into the night. It took a toll on my health, and I knew I needed to find a smarter way to navigate my career,” she shares.
Anusha began to focus on results rather than mere hours. By leveraging project management tools and adopting agile methodologies, she streamlined her workflow, delivering impactful results without sacrificing her well-being. Anusha’s story exemplifies how embracing smart work can lead to success in the competitive tech landscape.
Shayantika Pal – Entrepreneurship with a purpose
Shayantika Pal, an entrepreneur based in Kolkata, embarked on her journey to establish a sustainable fashion brand. Instead of succumbing to the pressures of continuous hustle, Shayantika chose a path that prioritized efficiency and balance.
“I believe in working smart, not just hard. While establishing my brand, I automated routine tasks, utilized e-commerce platforms, and focused on targeted marketing strategies,” says Shayantika. By embracing smart work principles, Shayantika not only achieved success in her venture but also created a work culture that values results over exhaustive hours.
Dr. Lakshmi Jayakumar – A surgeon’s precision
Dr. Lakshmi Jayakumar, a renowned surgeon working in the United Kingdom, faced the challenge of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities. Instead of succumbing to workaholism, she embraced a smart work approach to maintain both professional excellence and personal well-being.
“I started prioritizing surgeries based on urgency, delegating administrative tasks to my support staff, and leveraging technology for remote consultations. This allowed me to be more efficient in my practice and spend quality time with my family,” explains Dr. Lakshmi. Her strategic approach not only enhanced her career but also inspired other women in the medical field.
Richa Singh – Rising through corporate ranks
Richa Singh, a corporate professional in Hyderabad, found herself climbing the corporate ladder rapidly but realized the toll it was taking on her health and relationships. Determined to break free from the workaholic mindset, Richa Singh redefined her approach to success.
“I shifted my focus from being physically present in the office to delivering high-impact results. Embracing technology for virtual meetings and project management allowed me to lead teams effectively while maintaining a healthier work-life balance,” shares Richa. Her success story illustrates how adopting smart work strategies can propel one’s career without sacrificing personal well-being.
Radhika Rajendran – Navigating academia with agility
Radhika Rajendran, a professor in Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, faced the challenge of juggling research, teaching, and family commitments. Instead of succumbing to the prevalent culture of overwork in academia, Radhika embraced smart work principles to excel in her field.
“I learned to prioritize tasks based on impact, delegate responsibilities, and use technology for efficient communication. This not only increased my productivity but also allowed me to engage more meaningfully with my students and research,” says Radhika. Her story highlights the importance of strategic thinking in academia, where success is often measured by publications and research impact.
Key strategies for embracing smart work in the Indian context
1. Strategic time management
In a country where extended working hours are often the norm, strategic time management becomes crucial. Indian women embracing smart work prioritize tasks, set clear boundaries, and allocate time efficiently to achieve optimal results.
2. Technology as an ally
The tech-savvy environment in India provides a fertile ground for women to leverage technology in the workplace. From project management tools to virtual communication platforms, Indian women are utilizing technology to streamline tasks and enhance efficiency.
3. Results-oriented mindset
Shifting the focus from long hours to impactful results is a key strategy embraced by Indian women. Success is measured by the value one brings to projects and organizations, rather than the sheer amount of time spent working.
4. Flexible work arrangements
In a diverse and dynamic country like India, women are increasingly advocating for and benefiting from flexible work arrangements. This includes remote work options, flexible hours, and compressed workweeks, enabling them to achieve a better work-life balance.
5. Continuous learning and skill development
The competitive nature of the Indian job market necessitates a commitment to continuous learning. Indian women embracing smart work prioritize skill development to stay relevant and enhance their professional capabilities.
6. Cultivate a supportive network
Building a strong support network is essential for navigating the complexities of a demanding career. Smart workers surround themselves with mentors, allies, and like-minded individuals who provide guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
7. Prioritise self-care
In the pursuit of professional success, women must prioritize self-care. Adequate rest, regular exercise, and mindfulness practices contribute to increased focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction.
As the landscape of India’s workforce transforms, the stories of Anusha Girivas, Shayantika Pal, Dr. Lakshmi Jayakumar, Richa Singh, and Radhika Rajendran stand as testaments to the power of embracing smart work over workaholism. These women have defied conventional norms, paving the way for a more balanced, efficient, and inclusive work culture in India.
The journey from workaholism to smart work is not just a personal choice; it is a strategic move toward sustainable success. As Indian women continue to redefine success on their terms, the narrative is shifting from the pressure of long working hours to a more nuanced understanding of success, where efficiency, balance, and well-being take precedence.
Let these real-life examples serve as inspiration for the next generation of Indian women in the workplace, encouraging them to embrace smart work as a pathway to achieving their professional aspirations without compromising their holistic well-being.
Lastly, from one sister to another, take a chill pill and do whatever works for you, but in the process just don’t exert yourself to an extent where you feel the burn out because that is an occupational phenomenon.
– Dr. Sailaja is a seasoned HR leader, guest speaker, and enthusiast of sustainable practices.
