Let me be honest, some HR professionals might not like what I’m about to say. But it’s important.

I like the way people in Europe work. And it’s not just because they get long holidays or work only four days a week. What I like most is how they trust their employees, give them freedom, and understand that life is more than just work.

They believe that people do better when they’re treated with respect and not watched all the time. And I think that’s something we can learn from.

Here’s what that looks like in real life:

• Working only 4 days a week, and still getting things done
• Not being watched all the time while working
• Having the freedom to make your own decisions
• Working hard, but also taking time to rest and enjoy life

This way of working understands that people are human.

Working 12 hours a day or being constantly watched doesn’t bring out the best in people. But when you give them trust, show appreciation, and let them work their own way, they perform better. A calm, respectful work environment helps people stay focused, healthy, and more productive.

What Would It Take to Make This Work in India?

I really believe that if we plan and build this kind of work system carefully, it can work in Indian offices too.

But there’s a catch: it needs a change in thinking, especially from company leaders and HR teams.

Right now, many offices in India still believe that working longer means doing better.

They think staying late shows you care more.

Some also believe that being a good manager means watching everything, like screen time, attendance, and breaks.

I don’t agree with that.

What Doesn’t Drive Results

Let’s make it simple. Good results don’t come from:

• Working the longest hours
• Acting like being tired all the time is something to be proud of
• Watching and checking on people all the time

In fact, these old ways can make things worse. They make people feel scared, not trusted, and less interested in their work.

What Actually Works

From what I’ve seen, here’s what makes a difference:

1. Working with focus, not just for long hours It’s not about working all day, it’s about working well.

When people have clear work times and fewer distractions, they can focus better. That’s when they do their best work.

2. Teaching Managers How to Be Good Leaders A good boss finishes work. A great one grows people. They support, trust, and guide their team. These skills don’t come easily. Leading others well takes learning, patience, and experience. Companies must teach these skills if they want strong, successful teams.

3. Hybrid Work Models That Work

Some people work best at a quiet desk at home. Others do better around people in an office.

A flexible hybrid model lets people choose where they work best, so they can do a good job and also feel happy and healthy.

When HR and Founders Disagree

Sometimes, these new ideas don’t match well with the old rules that HR follows.

Founders may want freedom, creativity, and new ways of working.

However, HR is often told to follow strict rules and keep things in order.

So, their goals can feel like they’re pulling in opposite directions.

That’s why talking about this is important. Instead of copying old ways of working, we should ask:

• “What kind of workplace do we want?”
• “What does our team need to do great work?”
• “What matters in the results we want?”

The best companies are the ones that change to support their team, not the ones that force the team to adjust to old rules.

Your Team Is Everything

No company succeeds without a strong team. If people feel stressed, not trusted, or ignored, they stop giving their best. You might think everything’s fine, but cracks will show up over time. Teams need support, trust, and care to keep your business moving forward.

But when you build a place where your team feels listened to, helped, and trusted, that’s when they do their best.

That’s when your company becomes more than just a job. It becomes a place where people learn, grow, and want to stay for a long time.

Workplaces are changing fast, and old methods no longer work well. People don’t need pressure; they need trust, space, and respect. When you give your team freedom and support, they become happier and more productive. These values aren’t bonuses; they are the real foundation of a good company.

When people feel supported and understood, they work better, grow faster, and want to stay longer. It’s time for offices in India to think about what real success means.

Instead of long hours, let’s work in smarter ways. Instead of strict rules, let’s build friendly workplaces. And instead of constant control, let’s trust each other. Real change starts with one honest conversation, one open heart, and one brave team ready to try new things.

Here’s something to think about: If you could change one thing about how your team works, what would it be?