Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu suggests these radical changes in workplace: “You are throwing people into a very big pressure cooker, and very tragically….”

Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu calls for a fundamental shift in how companies treat their employees. Vembu, a veteran entrepreneur with over two decades of experience building Zoho into a tech powerhouse, warns that the current trajectory is unsustainable and potentially harmful.
“You already have loneliness, long-commutes, stressful work conditions. So, you are throwing people into a very big pressure cooker, and very tragically, some people break, other people are broken,” Vembu stated, highlighting the convergence of factors contributing to employee stress, particularly in large cities.
The Zoho co-founder emphasises the importance of pacing oneself for a long-term career. “I have been working for 27-28 years, and I hope to work for another 28 if possible. But to do that, I cannot allow myself, or my employees, to burn out,” he explained in an interview with news agency, PTI.
Vembu’s solution involves a radical rethinking of corporate structure. He advocates for decentralising operations away from major urban centres, allowing employees to work closer to their homes and communities. This approach, he argues, can alleviate the loneliness and gruelling commutes that often plague young professionals who migrate to big cities for work.
“We bring young people from small towns into big cities, and their first challenge is loneliness. Then, they face commutes that can stretch up to two hours each way, particularly in cities like Bengaluru. It’s no surprise that many feel overwhelmed,” Vembu observed.
The Zoho CEO’s vision extends beyond just workplace stress. He calls for tighter regulations on big tech companies to prevent monopolies and ensure a level playing field. Vembu also praises India’s Digital Public Infrastructure initiatives as a “shining success story,” positioning India as a global leader in digital innovation.