Key Takeaways
- Infosys founder Narayan Murthy pushes for a 70-hour workweek to improve India’s productivity.
- Indians already work an average of 46.7 hours per week, one of the highest globally.
- Research shows no direct link between longer working hours and increased productivity.
- Excessive work hours harm health and disrupt work-life balance.
- Efficiency and innovation drive productivity, not longer hours.
- A 70-hour workweek is practically unsustainable for most employees.
- Founders often work extended hours as a necessity, not a universal standard.
- Promoting a healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term success.
Infosys founder, Narayan Murthy, has repeatedly emphasized the need for India’s youth to adopt a 70-hour work week to boost the country’s flagging productivity. He also cited the examples of Germany and Japan, where extended work weeks played a role in post-war economic recovery. He even called for a return to a six day workweek and extended work hours to make India number one.
During his recent visit to Kolkata for the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary launch event, Murthy once again justified the 70 hours week culture and urged people, particularly the youth, to embrace hard work for the betterment of India. He also pointed to the harsh reality of poverty in India, stating, “800 million Indians get free ration. That means 800 million Indians are in poverty. If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will?”
Mixed Reactions
Social media was filled with opinions with some in favor and others in against. People are continuously giving their opinions and pointing out facts. While some business leaders backed Murthy’s views, employees and health professionals voiced strong opposition for working 70 hours a week. Prominent supporters include Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder of Ola Cabs, who echoed Murthy’s sentiment, stating, “It’s our moment to go all in and build in one generation what others built over many generations.” Shark Tank’s Anupam Mittal also admitted to working 70 hours weekly, though Namita Thapar raised concerns about compromising family time and personal health.
Productivity vs. Working Hours: A Reality Check
Research shows that there is no direct correlation between the number of hours worked and productivity. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Indians already work an average of 46.7 hours per week, with 51 per cent of India’s workforce working 49 or more hours each week, which is among the highest in the world.
Among the top 10 biggest economies, India has the highest weekly working hours and the lowest per capita GDP. In contrast, countries like the USA and Japan have shorter working weeks and higher per capita GDP.
This proves the fact that there is no correlation between productivity and the number of hours people work. So, working 70 hours a week won’t necessarily be a effective solution in increasing the productivity of the country. Productivity depends more on efficiency, innovation, and better working conditions than on sheer working hours.
Do founders work 70 hours a week?
When you are a founder or hold a top position in the company, you don’t have the option to restrict your working time limits. If a meeting is scheduled on Sunday, you will have to join it in order to run the company. Therefore, working 70 hours a week can become a necessity for founders rather than an option and that is the major reason why most of the founders like Anupam Mittal, Bhavish Aggarwal are supporting this work culture.
Murthy’s advocacy for longer work hours comes from his own experience. In an interview with The Economic Times, he said that he used to work for 85 to 90 hours a week while he was setting up the company. This once again proved the point that it is mostly compulsory for founders to give more time to their work to build something great. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the same expectations should be applied to employees. Employees often lack the equity, decision-making power, and rewards that justify founders’ sacrifices.
Practical Implications: Is It Feasible?
Consider the case of a software engineer commuting daily between Delhi and Gurgaon.
- Current Scenario: A 9-hour workday with 3 hours of commuting for 5 days a week already consumes 12 hours daily.
- Proposed 70-Hour Workweek: Extending work hours to 12 hours daily would push the total to 15 hours for 6 days a week, leaving virtually no time for personal needs or family.
Such a schedule is not just difficult but impossible to sustain without severe burnout.
Health Risks Associated with Long Working Hours
Medical professionals have strongly opposed the 70-hour workweek culture, citing its negative impact on work-life balance and the heightened risk of severe health issues. These concerns align with global research showing that overwork leads to diminishing productivity and significant health issues. Countries adopting shorter workweeks often report healthier, happier, and more efficient workforces.
A well-known Bengaluru-based cardiologist, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy, shared the routine of time spent by an average working professional if they follow this 70 hours work culture and expressed concerns about an increase in heart attacks in the younger population in a detailed post on X in 2023.
24 hours per day (as far as I know)
If you work 6 days a week – 12h per day
Remaining 12h
8 hours sleep
4 hours remain
In a city like Bengaluru
2 hours on road
2 hours remain – Brush, poop, bathe, eat
No time to socialise
No time to talk to family
No time to exercise… https://t.co/dDTKAPfJf8— Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy (@DrDeepakKrishn1) October 27, 2023
The tragic case of Anna Sebastian Perayil, an Ernst & Young (EY) employee who passed away due to the stress of an overwhelming workload, further amplified the backlash against this culture. Her untimely demise serves as a stark reminder of the physical and mental toll excessive work hours can take.
This incident underscores the urgent need to reevaluate long working hours, as they risk not just burnout but also severe health complications, including premature death.
Conclusion
While getting out of one’s comfort zone is necessary for success, it’s essential to avoid entering the “danger zone” by sacrificing health. Upskilling and personal growth might justify working longer hours temporarily, but expecting employees to consistently follow a 70-hour workweek is neither practical nor sustainable, especially with the relatively low salaries offered to freshers in companies like Infosys.
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Companies should prioritize employee well-being and promote a healthy work-life balance. If longer working hours are necessary, they must consider compensatory measures, such as providing on-site accommodations or flexible work arrangements to reduce commuting time. However, such solutions are often impractical due to the associated costs.
Ultimately, productivity is about working smarter, not longer. A healthy and motivated workforce is far more likely to drive innovation and efficiency than one burdened by overwork.
What’s your take on the 70-hour workweek debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!