Adar Poonawalla, the Chief Executive Officer of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, has voiced a strong opinion on human productivity, stating that individuals cannot remain effective beyond 8 or 9 hours a day. His comments, made on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 21, 2025, counter suggestions by other prominent business leaders advocating for significantly longer workweeks.
Poonawalla acknowledged that there are exceptional circumstances, such as building a new business or navigating a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic, where extreme hours—even 70 or 90 hours a week—might be necessary. He shared his own experience of working 16-hour days during the pandemic, but emphasized that such a pace is a temporary 'sprint' and not a sustainable 'marathon' for an employee or an organization in the long term.
Quality Over Quantity: The 'Sprint' vs. 'Marathon' Approach
The SII CEO's statement directly responded to earlier suggestions from figures like Narayana Murthy, who proposed a 70-hour workweek, and SN Subrahmanyan, who suggested 90 hours. Poonawalla argued that beyond a certain point, mental fatigue sets in, leading to a decline in the quality of work. He believes that strategic thinking and smart execution are far more valuable than simply clocking in more hours at a desk.
“A human being can't be productive beyond 8 or 9 hours (per day). Sometimes you have to put in those hours (70 or 90 hours a week). It's fine. I do it. My staff do it, but you can't do that every day,” Adar Poonawalla stated.
Since taking the helm of SII in 2011, Poonawalla has been instrumental in making vaccines affordable and accessible globally, leading the company to export to over 170 countries. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with the production and distribution of Covishield, cemented his reputation as a global leader in healthcare. His recent comments highlight a broader discussion on workplace culture, employee well-being, and the true drivers of efficiency in the modern business world.
Adar Poonawalla's Broader Ventures
Beyond his primary role at SII, Poonawalla has diversified his interests. In 2024, he acquired a 50% stake in Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, signaling a significant entry into Indian cinema. More recently, in May 2026, he partnered with the Mittal family to acquire a stake in the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals. He also co-founded the Villoo Poonawalla Foundation with his wife, Natasha Poonawalla, focusing on providing affordable healthcare, education, and clean water to underserved communities.