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Controversial Call for 70-Hour Workweeks Sparks National Conversation on Work-Life Balance
A recent statement by software billionaire NR Narayana Murthy has ignited a spirited debate in India over working hours and the balance between work and life. Murthy, known for co-founding Infosys, one of India’s leading technology companies, suggested that young people should be prepared to work 70 hours a week to boost the country’s development.
In a podcast, Murthy emphasized the need to improve India’s work productivity, stating that the country’s work productivity is among the lowest globally. “Unless we improve our work productivity… we will not be able to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress,” he said.
The comments have garnered both support and criticism, with discussions on social media and in opinion pieces focusing on issues like “toxic” work cultures, starting salaries in the technology sector, and the potential physical and mental health challenges that can arise from prolonged working hours.
Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, a Bengaluru-based cardiologist, highlighted concerns about the lack of time for personal life, exercise, and recreation. Some observers also pointed out that many women already work more than 70 hours a week, balancing office work with household responsibilities.
The debate comes against the backdrop of a global reevaluation of the work-life balance prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some have found increased productivity working from home, others have stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium.
Experts have pointed out that an emphasis on work-life balance can benefit not only employees but also companies. The International Labour Organization (ILO) cited a study of 45 US companies, indicating that businesses with work-life balance policies experienced improved recruitment, lower absenteeism, and higher productivity.
70-hours work week: Here is what GenZ have to say#6PMPrime #NarayanaMurthy #WorkLife | @Akshita_N pic.twitter.com/JcmdgN52fE
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India is already known for long working hours, with the ILO reporting that Indians worked more than 2,000 hours per year on average before the pandemic, surpassing countries like the US, Brazil, and Germany.
Indian entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala emphasized the importance of quality work over extended hours, advocating for upskilling, positive work environments, and fair pay.
The topic of working hours is sensitive in India, with debates surrounding labor laws and their enforcement. Protests earlier this year led to the withdrawal of a bill in Tamil Nadu that sought to extend working hours in factories.
This is not the first time that NR Narayana Murthy has faced criticism for advocating longer working hours. In 2020, he suggested a minimum of 64 hours a week to counter the economic impact of the pandemic.
While opinions vary, some business leaders in India support the idea of working longer hours but stress a holistic approach, including personal development and investment in one’s field.
As India grapples with the question of work hours, some developed countries are experimenting with shorter workweeks. Belgium introduced a four-day workweek without salary reduction in 2022, while the UK witnessed successful trial schemes with companies opting for a four-day workweek.
The ongoing discussion in India underscores the ongoing global conversation about the future of work and the pursuit of a healthy work-life balance.
