Indian industry leaders recently found themselves at a crossroads regarding the work culture in the country after Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy’s suggestion of extended work hours for young professionals. Narayana Murthy advocated for a 70-hour workweek during a recent podcast conversation with former Infosys HR director and board member TV Mohandas Pai.
Murthy emphasised the need for improvement and urged the youth to take responsibility for the nation’s progress. He encouraged youngsters to say, “This is my country; I’d like to work 70 hours a week.”
This has left Indian industry leaders divided and sparked a debate over productivity and HR policies.
The idea was supported by prominent figures such as JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal and Ola CEO Bhavish Agarwal.
Jindal, echoing Murthy’s sentiments, emphasised that a shorter workweek might not be suitable for India’s rapidly developing economy. “It’s not about burnout, it’s about dedication,” he commented, underscoring the need for commitment to transform India into an economic powerhouse by 2047.
I whole heartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy's statement. It's not about burnout, it’s about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of. #India2047
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023
Jindal further mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s work hours saying that the Prime Minister also “works over 14-16 hours a day.”
A 5 day week culture is not what a rapidly developing nation of our size needs.Our PM @narendramodi ji works over 14-16 hours everyday. My father used to work 12-14 hours, 7 days a week. I work 10-12 hours everyday. We have to find passion in our work and in Nation Building.
— Sajjan Jindal (@sajjanjindal) October 27, 2023
Bhavish Agarwal, on the other hand, invoked the struggles of previous generations and urged today’s youth to dedicate themselves to building India’s future. He asserted that the current generation’s destiny is intertwined with shaping India into the world’s largest economy.
Our Grandparents generation fought for independence. Our Parents generation fought for roti kapda makaan.
Like it or not, our generation is destined to build India to the largest economy. It will take every effort. No better satisfaction than to contribute in this journey!— Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) October 27, 2023
However, not all voices in the business community are agreeing to the idea. Ashneer Grover, former managing director of BharatPe, raised a pertinent question about the measurement of work.
He argued that focusing on “hours” instead of “outcomes” perpetuates the problem. Grover also contended that blaming the youth’s supposed laziness for India’s developmental challenges oversimplifies a complex issue.
I think junta got offended here because work is still being measured in ‘hours’ than ‘outcome’. The other thing is people feeling as if youngster’s laziness is only thing keeping India from becoming developed.
Funny - getting offended unites us more than cricket, religion,… https://t.co/hAai4UOgwU— Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) October 27, 2023
Adding to the debate, Basant Maheshwari, co-founder of Basant Maheshwari Wealth Advisers LLP, questioned the practicality of Murthy’s proposal. He highlighted the lack of clarity regarding overtime pay for employees clocking in 70 hours a week, emphasising the importance of fair compensation for such demanding work schedules.
Yeh Murthy aur Jindal sahib employees ko paisa 70 hour/week ka denge ki paisa sirf 48hour/week ka hi milega? #NarayanaMurthy
— Basant Maheshwari (@BMTheEquityDesk) October 27, 2023
Chirag Barjatiya, founder of Project FitCo, highlighted practical hurdles, pointing to the extensive time spent on commuting due to India’s inadequate transport infrastructure. He emphasised that addressing these challenges is vital for making a 70-hour workweek feasible.
Dear Narayan Murthy!
- Not everyone stays near their offices- Not everyone can afford a chauffeur-driven car.- Not everyone feels safe to ride a bike- Our traffic rules and system sucks. There is no accountability whatsoever.- Decent Public Transport is still a dream…— Chirag Barjatya (@chiragbarjatyaa) October 27, 2023
Apart from the industry leaders, the idea of a ‘70-hour workweek’ has also stirred a debate on social media with many rejecting the suggestion. Many social media users criticised Murthy’s remarks highlighting the issues faced by employees in the corporate sector, including the hours spent commuting to the office.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
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