In a recent interview, Daksh Gupta, CEO of Greptile, a San Francisco-based AI startup, sparked a heated debate by advocating for a demanding work schedule of 14-hour workdays, six days a week.
Daksh argues that such rigorous schedules are essential for the success of early-stage startups, comparing the effort to launching a rocket.
Greptile CEO on the Controversial Work Culture
Daksh’s comments came in response to criticism over Greptile’s intense work culture, which reportedly expects employees to work 84-hour weeks.
In a social media post, Daksh emphasized that he informs potential hires about the demanding workload during the interview process, ensuring transparency from the outset.
He believes that this approach allows candidates to decide if they can handle the high-stress environment before joining the company.
In his interview with NBC Bay Area, Daksh distanced his demanding schedule from cultural stereotypes, stating that long hours are a temporary necessity during a startup’s critical growth phase.
He argued that employees who thrive in such an environment are rewarded with rapid career advancement and significant ownership through stock options.
Daksh likened the startup journey to a rocket launch, emphasizing that hard work and dedication are crucial to staying competitive in the fast-paced tech industry.
Debate and Criticism
Daksh’s stance has polarized opinions.
While some support his perspective, acknowledging the intense dedication required to build a successful startup, others criticize the policy as unsustainable and harmful to employee well-being.
Critics argue that such grueling schedules can lead to burnout and health problems, questioning the long-term effectiveness of this work model.
Despite the backlash, Daksh remains firm in his belief that transparency during the hiring process is crucial.
He stated that he would rather potential hires know about the demanding work schedule upfront rather than discovering it on their first day.
Daksh’s approach has sparked a broader discussion on work-life balance and the sustainability of intense work cultures in the tech industry.
As the debate continues, Daksh’s comments have highlighted the challenges and trade-offs faced by early-stage startups.
While some see the demanding work schedule as a necessary part of the startup hustle, others call for more balanced approaches to ensure employee well-being and long-term success.
Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click Here, Google News– Click Here, YouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.
