‘Main 6 baje office se nikalta tha, log poochte the: Itni jaldi?’: Indian-origin man compares work culture in India and the US
Every workplace has its own unwritten rules.They are rarely mentioned in meetings and never appear in employee handbooks. Yet almost everyone knows they exist.Who leaves first. Who stays back. Whether answering a work call after office hours is seen as normal. Small things like these often shape an
By Toi Trending Desk
Every workplace has its own unwritten rules.They are rarely mentioned in meetings and never appear in employee handbooks.
Yet almost everyone knows they exist.Who leaves first.
Who stays back.
Whether answering a work call after office hours is seen as normal.
Small things like these often shape an employee's experience far more than official policies.For Nitin Malhotra, one such difference became especially noticeable after he moved from India to the United States.
In a recent Instagram video, the Indian-origin content creator reflected on the contrasting work cultures he experienced in the two countries, sharing observations about office hours, overtime, and expectations beyond the workday.
His remarks have since drawn attention online.A perspective shaped by working in two countriesMalhotra said he worked in India for nearly five years before moving to the United States, where he has now spent almost 15 years.“I worked in India for nearly five years, and today, I have been in America for almost 15 years.
I am now an American citizen.”Reflecting on his time in India, he said leaving the office after completing a regular workday often felt unusual because of the reactions it attracted.“If I started work at 10 am and got up to leave at 6 pm, or even around 6:30 pm after finishing my eight hours, the office staff and people around me would stare as if something were wrong.
It felt as though they were wondering, ‘Where is he going so early?’” he said.What stood out to him in the USAccording to Malhotra, his experience changed after he began working in the United States.“Here, I work for eight hours, clock out, and go home.
People around me are not bothered by it.
Once my shift is over, I simply leave for home,” he said.For him, one of the biggest differences was how leaving on time was treated as a normal part of the workday.The manager's reaction he remembersMalhotra also recalled an incident involving his manager that left a lasting impression on him.Speaking about receiving a call after work hours, he said:“She was so happy that I picked up.
The next day, she appreciated me and also paid me time and a half for the extra work.”The experience, he suggested, reflected a different approach towards extra work and employee time.His views on overtime and workplace boundariesExplaining further, Malhotra spoke about overtime practices in the US.“In America, this is the work culture.
If you work more than 40 hours, you are paid overtime, usually time and a half.”“Managers here do not unnecessarily call you after work.
Your hours are clearly set, and everything is properly structured.
People here are much happier because of this culture.
I honestly feel India should also follow this approach,” he said.Internet reactsThe video prompted several reactions from Instagram users.One user wrote, “This is exactly what India needs to learn.”Another commented, “Work should not take over your entire life.”A third user said, “Overtime should always be paid, no matter where you work.”Another reaction read, “This is why work-life balance matters so much.”Disclaimer: This article is based on statements made by a content creator in a video shared on social media.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Times of India.Thumb image: Instagram Get the latest movie news, reviews, and celebrity updates.
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