Zepto’s CEO, Aadit Palicha, recently mentioned that employees at the quick commerce company work between 80 to 100 hours a week. In his remarks about the company’s work culture at the NDTV World Summit, he commended his team’s dedication, linking their efforts to the company’s swift rise to a market valuation of $5 billion.
He highlighted that Zepto places a high value on passion and prioritizes purpose over individual financial rewards. Palicha explained that his employees are genuinely committed to building something significant, which is why they are willing to invest so many hours, as reported by Moneycontrol.
“Truthfully, while we work 80-100 hours a week, we could probably achieve the same results in half that time with much less stress. Eventually, money becomes less important. We are enthusiastic about what we are building, work diligently, and are genuinely thrilled about our projects. It’s not just about money or personal wealth,” Palicha stated.
The conversation regarding work-life balance has been prevalent for quite some time, gaining traction after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy called on young professionals to work 70 hours a week last year. While advocates of hustle culture support this approach, younger generations are pushing for a stronger focus on mental health and personal well-being.
Moreover, Palicha shared his confidence in his company’s ability to reshape the startup scene in India. He pointed out that, in contrast to foreign players, Indian internet companies have not yet reached the same heights. “We believe we have the potential to build a truly exciting company, and if we succeed, we will generate substantial value—not just for shareholders and capital markets, but for the entire startup ecosystem,” he remarked. The quick commerce company was established by Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra in July 2021.
