Hustle Culture Under Fire: Are Employees Rejecting Overwork in 2026?

• US tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson criticizes hustle culture as "terrible for health," warning against glorifying late-night work.
• New workforce data from late 2025 in South Asia shows rising productivity expectations but persistently low employee engagement, mental health, and life satisfaction.
• The "productivity paradox" reveals that AI and automation have increased expectations and work volume, rather than reducing pressure, leading to a sense of a constantly moving finish line.
• Gen Z workers and corporate professionals with in-demand skills are actively resisting hustle culture, prioritizing work-life balance and mental health over aggressive career growth.
• Hustle culture persists for gig workers, informal laborers, MSME employees, and mid-career professionals due to insecurity, necessity, and societal expectations, highlighting its structural nature.

Why It Matters: Hustle culture faces significant pushback in 2026, especially from younger generations, but remains entrenched for many.