Dodge AI’s Work Culture Under Scrutiny

A fresh controversy regarding work culture and employee well-being has emerged online following the advertisement for engineering positions by Dodge AI, a Bengaluru-based artificial intelligence startup. The roles advertised require employees to commit to a challenging schedule of 12-hour shifts, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., six days a week.

The job posting, shared by co-founder Aditya Thakur on LinkedIn, has sparked significant backlash and reignited the national discussion on excessive working hours — a discourse that became more intense after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy suggested that young Indians should work 72 hours weekly.

Details of the Job Offer

The widely circulated hiring announcement outlines rigorous on-site schedules for both interns and full-time engineers. While the salary range—₹1 lakh per month for interns and ₹30-60 LPA CTC for full-time positions—has attracted attention, the work requirements have dominated discussions.

In the LinkedIn announcement, Thakur expressed that “Dodge AI is on a mission to build AGI for ERP,” and highlighted that the company is backed by Tier-1 venture capital, already serving Fortune 500 clients. He mentioned that the location is HSR Layout, Bengaluru, with the demanding hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., six days a week.

The ideal candidate was depicted as a “Top 1% performer” who learns quickly, embraces ownership, and is eager to demonstrate skills while moving at a fast pace.

Concerns Over Toxic Hustle Culture

The post quickly attracted criticism from professionals and labour advocates who labelled the work schedule as exploitative and detrimental. Multiple individuals expressed concerns about the feasibility of a 72-hour workweek, comparing it to China’s controversial “996” model (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week), which has faced widespread condemnation due to its association with employee burnout.

Critics pointed out that many startups utilise the “hustle” narrative to normalise a detrimental work-life balance. Additionally, they argued that such expectations contradict global trends, where businesses are increasingly considering four-day workweeks, flexible hours, and policies that prioritise mental health.

Wider Discussion on Work-Life Balance

This controversy arises at a time when communities worldwide are reassessing the dynamics between work, personal well-being, and productivity. Employees, especially younger individuals, are placing greater value on personal time, hobbies, and mental health in tandem with career advancement.

Murthy’s recent advocacy for extended work hours has ignited a fervent debate across India, with proponents deeming it necessary for national progress and detractors viewing it as outdated, unrealistic, and neglectful of workers’ rights.

Dodge AI’s job advertisement has now emerged as the latest focus in this ongoing discussion.

Despite the emphasis many startups place on speed, high intensity, and rigorous deadlines, critics assert that imposing extended 12-hour workdays risks employee burnout, diminishes long-term productivity, and fails to align with contemporary professional standards.