Bengaluru founder's 'strict 72-hour workweek' to promote a 'building mindset' sparks online uproar. Netizens say, 'Make employees partners'

In a country already grappling with blurred work-life lines, a Bengaluru entrepreneur’s post about rigid office timings has ignited fresh debate on workplace expectations, the price of ambition, and the elusive dream of building a globally recognised product from India.

10 AM to 10 PM, 6 Days a Week

Mohan Kumar, co-founder of mobile gaming startup Matiks, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to proudly describe the work ethic of his team. His words, however, left the internet sharply divided.

“We have strict office timing of 10 am - 10 pm and 6 days a week. Still, our team members work beyond 10 and on Sundays as well,” Kumar wrote, triggering waves of responses from both supporters and critics. In his post, he acknowledged the anticipated backlash but stood firm in his belief that such dedication was necessary to build India’s “first global product.”

“People will criticize this,” he added, “but the reality is if we have to build the first global product built in India, we need everyone to be all in. Let's move out from job mindset to building mindset.”

We have strict office timing of 10 am - 10 pm and 6 days a week. Still, our team members work beyond 10 and on Sundays as well. People will criticize this, but the reality is if we have to build the first global product built in India, we need everyone to be all in. Let's move… pic.twitter.com/iYBaUY5nrh

— Mohan is building @matiks_play (@themohment) July 5, 2025

Beyond a Paycheck
In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Kumar clarified that Matiks isn’t just another tech startup — it's a movement. “We don’t look at our team as employees,” he said. “We see them as founding members on a shared mission.”

According to Kumar, the company isn’t built for survival or driven by monthly paychecks but is rather aiming to put India on the global product map. “Of course, not everyone resonates with this mindset, and that’s okay,” he added. “But for those who do, this journey doesn’t feel like a ‘job.’ It feels like chasing a dream.”

Netizens React: “Build or Burnout?”
Kumar’s post soon became a flashpoint for heated discussion around hustle culture and modern workplace values. Some applauded the startup’s bold mission, calling for equity sharing to complement the commitment. “I am 100% with this approach,” one user wrote. “But if you want employees to move from job mindset to building mindset, make them partners in business.”

Others, however, raised concern about sustainability and mental health. “There is absolutely no loyalty,” said a user. “Companies will let go of employees at the first sight of trouble… A good work-life balance is essential to success.”

Another user added, “Hard disagree, almost no one can sustain peak IQ bandwidth beyond 40-50 hours a week… Anything beyond that is slop.”

Kumar tried to argue that work pressure isn't inherently bad — but only when one is passionate about the task at hand. “Work pressure comes when you work for something that you don’t like,” he replied.

Kumar’s statement has revived a lingering conversation about ambition versus wellbeing, particularly in India’s fast-paced startup culture. While some admire the vision of creating a world-class product from Indian soil, others caution against celebrating overwork at the expense of long-term creativity and mental health.