Transparent Growth Measurement (NPS)

90-Hour Work Week vs. Work-Life Balance: Lessons from Cricket Formats

Contributors: Bhaskar Thakur
Published: January 27, 2025

Summary

Using cricket formats as a metaphor, the piece compares work styles: Test Matches symbolize endurance-heavy roles, ODIs represent balanced efforts, and T20s reflect short, intense bursts. It emphasizes smart work tailored to role demands, like upGrowth’s flexible, role-based approach, promoting productivity and sustainable growth over long hours

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In the ever-evolving world of work, one topic continues to spark debate: the merits of a 90-hour work week versus achieving a healthy work-life balance. To understand this better, let’s borrow a perspective from the sport of cricket. Just as Test Matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 games demand different strategies, time commitments, and energy, the work environment also varies based on roles, industries, and personal goals.

Cricket as a Metaphor for Work Styles

1. Test Match: The Long Game
Test cricket is about endurance, patience, and meticulous planning. The game spans five days, requiring consistent performance over a prolonged period. Similarly, some roles—such as entrepreneurship, research, or high-level strategic leadership—demand long hours and sustained focus. A 90-hour work week can sometimes be necessary during critical growth phases or when chasing big, long-term goals.

2. ODIs: Balanced Effort
A One-Day International calls for a balance between strategy and pace. It’s about delivering results within a reasonable timeframe while conserving energy for the next game. Many roles in established companies mirror this approach—steady, focused work where 40–50 hours a week may suffice for sustained growth and productivity.

3. T20: Intense Bursts
T20 cricket is dynamic, fast-paced, and intense. Every ball matters. This is comparable to roles like event management, campaign launches, or crisis handling, where short bursts of high energy and productivity are essential. However, these roles often allow for recovery periods once the immediate task is complete.

The key takeaway? No single format defines cricket, and no one-size-fits-all model defines work. Each format, like each role, has its place, purpose, and demands.

Smart Work Over Long Hours

The notion of contributing “smart” as the role demands is critical. Productivity isn’t about how many hours you log—it’s about the value you create in those hours. Here’s where flexible work arrangements shine, enabling people to align their schedules with their energy levels and job requirements.

upGrowth: A Remote Team with a Role-Based Approach

At upGrowth, we’ve embraced this philosophy. We’re a fully remote organization with team members spread across cities. Our team includes Growth Strategists, Digital Marketers, Content Creators, and Design Professionals—all working flexible hours tailored to their roles.

For instance:

  • Growth Strategists may spend long hours brainstorming, researching, and developing data-driven strategies. Their work often mirrors the “Test Match” approach, requiring a deep dive into the bigger picture.
  • Digital Marketers might find themselves in the “ODI” zone, managing campaigns that require consistent monitoring and execution without overextending.
  • Content and Design professionals often operate like T20 players, delivering creative outputs within short deadlines for high-impact results.

This flexibility ensures that no one is overburdened while still contributing their best to the company’s growth. By focusing on role-specific demands, we’ve managed to balance productivity and well-being effectively.

The Bigger Picture

Whether you’re putting in 90 hours or a standard 40-hour week, the goal should always be meaningful contributions and sustainable growth. Just as every cricket format has its nuances, every job role demands different approaches. The key is to understand the game you’re playing and prepare accordingly.

Work-life balance isn’t just about time—it’s about mindset. And just as in cricket, where strategy, skill, and adaptability define success, in the workplace, smart contributions tailored to the role and situation lead to true victories.

So, whether you’re playing a Test, ODI, or T20 in your career, play smart, and remember: the ultimate goal is to win, not just survive.

About the Author

bhaskar thakoor
Thinker in Chief

Bhaskar Thakur, upGrowth’s Thinker-in-Chief, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building and scaling businesses in the Internet and Mobile space. Among India’s first wave of digital marketers, he has helped startups acquire customers and grow their reach with innovative strategies and hands-on expertise. With four successful ventures, Bhaskar has a proven track record of turning ideas into thriving businesses.

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