Narayana Murthy, a co-founder of Infosys and a respected icon in India’s corporate world, recently stoked the fire by stating that Indian employees must adapt to a 70-hour workweek. On a podcast,
The Statements That Sparked Controversy
Murthy expressed disappointment over India’s shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986, saying, “In this country, we need to work hard.
There is no substitute for hard work, even if you are the most intelligent person.” He highlighted Germany and Japan’s post-WWII work ethics, crediting their success to extended working hours.
Criticism from Experts and Public Figures
Critics also expressed that Murthy’s words are unfeeling and insensitive to the issues plaguing the modern workplace.
Some experts even pointed out that the Indian workforce already faces extreme pressure, as young professionals are suffering from mental health issues, stress, and an increase in heart disease cases.
According to a cardiologist from Bengaluru, India, Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, the prolonged hours at work pose serious health risks mainly to India’s youth.
Public opinion was also divided. Where industrialist Sajjan Jindal supported Murthy’s vision,
the numbers countering it could easily compete with him in term of experience and now countenance: hard work is essential for India to be globally competitive is rhetoric that appears to ignore world trends requesting shorter hours on the job to maximize both productivity and welfare of employees.
The Reality of Work Hours in India
India already ranks among countries with some of the longest average working hours. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Indian workers clock around 48 hours per week, significantly higher than the global average of 36–40 hours. Moreover,
India’s labor laws cap weekly hours at 48, raising concerns about the legal and ethical implications of Murthy’s suggestion.
Balancing Hard Work with Well-Being
Advocates for reduced working hours believe that productivity is not proportional to the number of hours put in.
In Sweden, business houses have shown increased productivity and employees’ job contentment by adopting a six-hour working day.
Conversely, stretched hours without adequate rest often decrease output, increase attrition rates, and lower mental as well as physical health of the workers.
Economic Context and Global Comparisons
While Murthy’s call to work hard does precipitate India’s economic growth, comparisons with Germany and Japan carry significant omissions.
Post-war Germany and Japan focused on developmental policies characterized by outstanding technological advancements, quality education, and improved health care.
Long hours were but one component of their growth strategy. For India, perhaps building infrastructure, education, and better workforce training could overcome the development hurdles more effectively than increased hours of working.
The statements by Narayana Murthy have opened critical dialogue on the work culture of India. Though the call for hard work is in order, 70 hours a week at the workplace is an inappropriate ideal that raises ethical, legal, and health concerns.
The nation should pursue becoming an economic leader in the world by developing a balanced, productive, and healthy workforce rather than exhausting its citizens in the name of progress.
