A video from Gurugram showing a new mother working late into the night during her postpartum phase has reignited conversations around corporate work culture, maternity support and burnout faced by working women in India.

The video, shared on Instagram by the handle @lifeworklullaby, shows a woman working on her laptop at around 1.30 am, despite having recently given birth. The clip is recorded by her husband, who questions the demands placed on her by her workplace at a time when rest and recovery are critical.

‘This is corporate toxicity’

In the video, the husband points out that his wife is dealing with postpartum recovery while being expected to work extremely long hours. He questions the mindset behind such expectations, asking how a new mother can be expected to care for an infant and simultaneously handle 16-hour workdays.

He also highlights his wife’s professional background, stating that she is a Chartered Accountant — one of the most demanding qualifications in the country — yet is being made to doubt her own abilities due to workplace pressure. According to him, the issue is not competence, but an absence of empathy and support.

Global culture or burnout culture?

The man criticises what he calls “global work culture”, arguing that a workplace cannot claim to be progressive if it ignores basic human needs during motherhood. He says labelling such practices as global reflects toxicity rather than modernity.

His remarks struck a chord with many viewers, especially working parents who have faced similar situations after returning from maternity leave.

Strong reactions online

Since being posted, the video has drawn widespread engagement. Many users expressed solidarity with the woman and praised her husband for speaking up. Several comments noted that the issue is not a woman’s ability to manage both career and motherhood, but unrealistic workloads and insensitive management.

One user wrote that financial realities often make quitting a job impossible, adding that responsibility lies with companies and labour policies rather than individuals. Others pointed out that working at 1 am signals burnout, regardless of gender or parental status.

A larger conversation

The video has become a flashpoint in a broader discussion about how Indian workplaces treat new mothers. As more women return to work soon after childbirth, the clip has highlighted the urgent need for humane policies, supportive managers and a rethink of long-hour work cultures.