“Here, Managers Encourage You to Take Time Off”: Indian Woman Shares Work Culture Experience in the UK

For many Indians working abroad, the appeal of foreign jobs often lies in a better work-life balance. A striking example comes from Modhura Roy, an Indian professional working at a tech company in the United Kingdom, who recently shared her experience comparing work culture in India and the UK.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Roy, a consulting principal based in London, said that working in the UK has transformed her perspective on productivity, leadership, and work-life balance. “In Britain, work is considered a part of life, not the entirety of it. There is significant emphasis on health, fitness, taking leaves, and spending quality time with family,” she explained. Roy noted that this approach has allowed her to maintain a more balanced and fulfilling life both at the office and at home.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity
After spending 7.5 years working in Kolkata and Pune, Roy moved to London in March 2020. She highlighted that British and Australian managers prioritize quality output, professional development, and long-term value for clients, whereas her experience in India emphasized sales targets and hyper-productivity. “Managers abroad focus on skill-building and delivering high-quality work, rather than merely pushing for higher numbers,” she said.

Encouragement to Take Time Off
Roy also noted a major difference in leave policies and employee well-being. “In India, companies often expect maximum output from every employee without much regard for mental or physical health. In the UK, managers themselves encourage employees to take leave. Work is integrated into life, not something that consumes every waking hour,” she said. Over the past five years, Roy added, she has never been asked to work on weekends or justify taking time off—a sharp contrast to her experiences in India.

Roy’s observations underscore a growing trend among global professionals: the importance of a healthy work-life balance, employee well-being, and quality-driven productivity as core elements of a positive workplace culture.