Indians Spent More Time Working, Less On Self-Care: Time Use Survey

Increase in Work Participation

Indians spent more time working and less on self-care in 2024, according to the latest Time Use Survey released by the Centre. The survey revealed that 41 per cent of Indians aged six and above participated in employment and related activities, marking a nearly three-percentage-point increase from 2019. Among individuals aged 15 to 59, male participation in employment rose from 70.9 per cent in 2019 to 75 per cent in 2024, while female participation increased from 21.8 per cent to 25 per cent. Meanwhile, the average time spent on self-care and maintenance declined by two per cent over the past five years.

Overview of the Time Use Survey

The Time Use Survey, first conducted in 2019, examines how men and women allocate their time across paid and unpaid activities, including household chores, caregiving, volunteer work, and training. It also provides insights into time spent on employment, learning, socializing, leisure, and self-care. The latest edition of the survey, conducted between January and December 2024, is the second nationwide assessment, covering 4.54 lakh individuals aged six and above from 1.39 lakh households.

Changing Lifestyle Patterns

The findings indicate that, on average, Indians spent 440 minutes per day on employment. Time spent on unpaid household work declined by two per cent from 2019, with females dedicating 289 minutes per day, while males spent 88 minutes on such tasks. Males spent 75 minutes per day caring for household members, whereas females spent nearly double the time at 137 minutes.

Education and Leisure Activities

Learning activities were engaged in by 89.3 per cent of children aged 6 to 14 years, with an average of 413 minutes dedicated to education daily. Activities related to culture, leisure, and mass media use occupied 171 minutes per day on average, with males spending 177 minutes and females 164 minutes. Time spent on socializing, community participation, and religious practices saw a decline of five minutes compared to the 130 minutes recorded per day in 2019.

The survey highlights shifting lifestyle patterns, with an increase in work participation and a decline in time spent on self-care and household activities. These trends reflect evolving priorities in daily life, emphasizing work commitments over personal well-being and social interactions.