Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska is drawing criticism after suggesting dramatically longer workweeks could help stabilize the country's economy, according to Business Insider.
In a recent Telegram post, Deripaska proposed that Russians adopt 12-hour workdays, six days a week — a grueling 72-hour schedule — to navigate what he described as a "difficult transformation" in the global economy.
"This crisis is deeper," he wrote, pointing to shrinking global opportunities and increasing economic restrictions.
His proposed solution centers on what he sees as Russia's most important asset: its workforce.
"In difficult moments, we know how to pull ourselves together and work more," wrote Deripaska, founder of Rusal, a major aluminum producer. "The sooner we switch to this new schedule — from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., including Saturdays — the faster we will complete this transformation."
His remarks coincide with a slowdown in Russia's economy, with growth falling to roughly 1% in 2025 after stronger expansion the previous year.
Meanwhile, surging oil prices, propelled by ongoing global conflicts and supply disruptions, have complicated the outlook, boosting short-term revenues while highlighting long-term instability.
Still, the idea of working longer hours didn't sit well with many observers.
Extended workweeks are linked to burnout and other serious health risks. In contrast, several countries are now piloting shorter workweeks to improve both quality of life and productivity.
Longer hours can also increase energy use, extend commutes, and strain already overburdened infrastructure, creating ripple effects across communities and resources.
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
|
Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you?
Click your choice to see results and earn rewards to spend on home upgrades. |
Save $1,000 this year 💸 Commenters on Reddit were quick to respond.
"Yes make people work more. Funny how that's always the solution," one user wrote.
Another added: "Remember, kids, whatever is 'good for the economy' is bad for employees and profitable for employers."
A third quipped: "I agree. He should get right on it and leave the rest of us alone."
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD's exclusive Rewards Club.
Cool Picks
