In 2025, conversations around work-life balance and workplace culture continue to dominate the internet, with people openly discussing what an ideal work environment should look like. Norway often emerges as a leading example, and for good reason. An Indian professional working as a ship officer in maritime tech in Norway recently shared a glimpse into what corporate life there truly feels like.
Sachin posted a video explaining that “Most companies in Norway follow a 7.5-hour workday. And many of them use a simple system: Core Hours + Flexible Hours.” He goes on to break down the concept: Core Hours are the fixed window during which teams are expected to be available for meetings and collaboration. Outside of that, Flexible Hours allow employees to complete the rest of their work whenever it best fits their schedule — early morning, late evening, or even after picking up their kids or finishing personal errands.
“This gives people the freedom to plan their work around their life, not the other way around,” Sachin explains, emphasising that this mindset is one of the key reasons Norway consistently ranks among the world’s happiest countries.
“Work is important, but it isn’t supposed to be your entire life. Sometimes, all you need is a reminder to pause and ask yourself,” he adds. Towards the end of the video, he poses a simple question to viewers: “Are you living… or just working?”
The clip has since gone viral, crossing over a million views and sparking widespread discussion. One user wrote, “Narayana Murthy kindly take a moment to watch this video, there’s something to learn from Norway.”
Infosys founder Murthy’s remarks on the need for young Indians to work longer hours have often stirred debate. He recently endorsed China’s ‘996’ work culture (9 am to 9 pm, six days a week, totalling 72 hours).
Another user compared it to the reality in India: “Here in India it’s different… we have 8 hours of core work glued to the system, and then flexible hours after the shift for at least 3 more hours, plus one weekend of working. Then higher management still asks what extra you’re doing in the name of innovation.”
A third person expressed frustration, commenting, “Western countries can have work-life balance because they give all their work to us, in India.”
Another added humorously, “Sab Norway chale jayenge to offshore me saste me raat ko 12 baje call kaun lega.”
Norway currently ranks 5th in the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025. It stands as the seventh-happiest country in the world, with a score of 7.262, offering a stark contrast to the work culture many employees experience elsewhere.