Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, recently stirred up a debate with his suggestion that India’s workforce should commit to a 70-hour work week to enhance the country’s productivity. This proposal received a diverse range of reactions, with some industry leaders supporting the idea and others expressing reservations about work-life balance and potential burnout.
During an interview with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai in the inaugural episode of 3one4 Capital’s podcast ‘The Record,’ Narayana Murthy emphasized the need for young people to put in extra hours at work to compete with leading economies. He cited India’s relatively low work productivity on the global scale and stressed that improving productivity is essential for India to compete with nations like China, Japan, and Germany, which have made significant progress.
“I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy’s statement on 70-hour work week. It’s not about burnout; it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of by 2047. A 5-day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs,” commented Sajjan Jindal, Chairman of the JSW Group.
Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola Cabs, also expressed his agreement with Narayana Murthy’s views regarding the 70-hour work week. Aggarwal emphasized that it is a crucial moment for India to focus on hard work and dedication, rather than working less and indulging in entertainment.
In his statement, Bhavish Aggarwal said, “Totally agree with Mr. Murthy’s views. It’s not our moment to work less and entertain ourselves. Rather, it’s our moment to go all in and build in one generation what other countries have built over many generations! So therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, ‘This is my country. I’d like to work 70 hours a week.”
Despite this support from industry leaders, Narayana Murthy’s suggestion also faced criticism from various quarters, with concerns about work-life balance and the potential for burnout. Many people argued that a more balanced approach to work and personal life is essential for overall well-being.
However, it’s worth noting that Narayana Murthy’s proposal found support not just from industry figures but also from within his own family. Sudha Murty, an acclaimed author of children’s literature and the wife of Narayana Murthy, offered her perspective on the matter. She noted that her husband has always lived a life of hard work and passion, working 80 to 90 hours a week during his career. She emphasized that Narayana Murthy has shared his experiences and beliefs, which are grounded in real hard work.
Sudha Murty explained, “He has worked 80 to 90 hours a week, so, he doesn’t know what less than that is. He believes in real hard work, and he lived like that. Hence, he has told what he felt.” Sudha Murty backed her husband’s perspective, highlighting his dedication and passion for his work.
The debate sparked by Narayana Murthy’s suggestion reflects the ongoing discussions around work-life balance, productivity, and the future of work in India. While there are diverse views on the matter, it remains a topic of significant interest and importance in the context of India’s economic and workforce development.