We Asked Corporate Married Men What They Actually Do On Sundays

Recently, the chairman of a prominent multinational corporation made headlines by urging employees to work on Sundays, even expressing frustration over the absence of a seven-day workweek at his company. However, what truly captured attention was his comment questioning the productivity of employees during their time off: 'What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.'

Is it really fair to say that a man's entire Sunday revolves around "staring at his wife"? Isn’t that a bit of a sweeping generalisation? Surely, married men in the corporate world have more diverse ways to spend their Sundays. Whether it’s diving into a hobby, catching up on sleep, or spending quality time with family, there’s much more to a day off than this one-dimensional view. It seems like overlooking the real importance of work-life balance and all the different ways men unwind.

I wanted to dive deeper into this topic, so I reached out to married men in the corporate sector to hear how they actually spend their Sundays. Is it really just about "staring at their wives," or is there more to it? I wanted to get an authentic, unfiltered perspective from men themselves.

Married Men Reveal What They Actually Do On Sundays

'Embrace the Wonder My Daughter Brings'

Abhishek Nandan, Senior Marketing Manager at a Pune-based corporate technology firm, aged 33, shares, “Life, with all its rush and responsibilities, often pulls us in countless directions. As a professional, I’ve learned to measure success not just in achievements, projects, or milestones but in the precious moments shared with my family.”

Every laugh, every hug, and every tiny, curious question from my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter feels like a reminder of what’s truly important. Watching her discover the world with wide-eyed wonder fills my heart in ways words can’t capture.

He also shares how spending time with his wife on his days off is what truly rejuvenates him, “And my wife, my anchor, partner, and biggest supporter, is my constant reminder that love isn’t in grand gestures but in the countless little moments: morning conversations, shared meals, or simply holding hands while our daughter runs circles around us. These are the minutes that truly matter, the ones I’d trade all else for. Sunday brings me these moments and I shall forever wish it never ends.”

Indulge In Favorite Activities

Another senior manager from a Pune-based IT firm, who wishes to remain anonymous, shares Sundays are sacred in their family. He says, "Sundays are special because it's the only day my family and I can truly connect, given my hectic weekday schedule.”

Besides spending time with them, I also enjoy playing cricket, which helps me unwind and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming week.

Similarly, Nitin Seth, Assistant Vice President at a Mumbai-based financial service firm, shares, "Sundays are my opportunity to break away from the routine and spend quality time with my wife and family. It’s the day I eagerly anticipate for meaningful moments, whether it’s enjoying a meal out, spending time together, or simply engaging in conversations that aren’t centred around work."

Live Without the Weight Of Work Looming Over 

Piyush Kala, a Sales Development Consultant from Pune, shares, "Sundays for me are a time to catch up on household tasks, whether it's taking care of pending chores or ensuring my family’s well-being, like doctor’s visits and follow-ups.”

He adds, "But equally important is the space to relax and unwind whether that’s enjoying a quiet dinner, watching sports, or binge-watching Netflix without the weight of work looming over me. Sundays offer the rare chance to truly reflect, reconnect with friends, and, most importantly, spend quality time with my family.”

This day off isn’t just a pause; it’s a chance to reset, both mentally and emotionally, so I can return to the workweek feeling recharged and more present in both my professional and personal life.

Catch Up on Missed Time

Mumbai-based Zamir Khan, a hotelier and restaurateur, happily married and a father of two, reflects on the importance of downtime. "Aside from the fact that the human body needs time to rest and recuperate, time off from professional commitments is also to enjoy the little joys of life. Isn’t that what we all work for, beyond the usual roti, kapda, and makaan aspirations?" he shares.

Discussing the demands of his profession, he adds, "Hospitality business, globally, is possibly the most demanding. We not just work days, but in many cases, nights as well and are on our toes through the year especially during holidays and festivals when the rest of the world is partying and enjoying time with loved ones (or even just by themselves)."

He emphasises the value of time off, noting, "Time off during the week, for us hospitality professionals, means time to refuel which happens when you spend quality time with family, where laughter echoes the room, catching up on missed time with friends, covering up on personal commitments and chores that require your attention, a bit of self-indulgence, and most importantly to re-kindle and reconnect with your better-half.”

Ultimately no work, no job, and no money is worth it if you don't have those with whom you can share and enjoy. You can dare only if you care and yes stare at people making preposterous comments on how not to live life!

Recharge for the Week Ahead

These discussions highlight how Sundays are often dedicated to personal interests, family time, and even professional growth, far beyond the simplistic stereotype. Seth emphasises, “That one day off is crucial for strengthening our bond and recharging for the week ahead." Kala echoes this sentiment, stating, “This day off isn’t just a pause; it’s an opportunity to reset, both mentally and emotionally, allowing me to return to the workweek feeling recharged and more present in both my professional and personal life.”

The dialogue on work-life balance is vital, and it’s evident that the traditional view of how men spend their days off needs reevaluation. Khan points out, “The reality is, human resources in India are often overlooked and poorly managed. Expecting endless work hours from employees, as some corporate leaders might suggest, is both unreasonable and inhumane. The fact that organizations and governments worldwide are revising their work-life balance policies speaks volumes. It’s a lesson that corporate and political leaders in India should consider adopting.”

So, is there still any doubt that the one-dimensional view on how married individuals spend their Sundays should be reconsidered? While they do enjoy quality time with their spouses and loved ones, it’s important to acknowledge that personal time and self-care are just as essential as work obligations. Ultimately, maintaining a well-balanced life is crucial for long-term success, both in the workplace and in personal life.