Several individuals, particularly young professionals, have expressed their disagreement with Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s suggestion of a 70-hour workweek as essential for India’s development. In contrast to Murthy’s viewpoint, many believe in maintaining a work-life balance and investing time in personal well-being. Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, supported Murthy’s stance, advising those feeling “attacked” by it to “toughen up” and live with the consequences of their choices.
Tech Today interviewed office-goers who emphasized the impracticality of a 70-hour workweek, citing concerns about its impact on personal life and health. One individual asserted that Murthy’s statement is entirely impractical for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Others stressed the importance of work not dominating their lives, emphasizing the need for personal development, building strengths and weaknesses, and spending quality time with family.
While some considered a 70-hour workweek feasible early in one’s career, they emphasized the importance of it being voluntary rather than imposed. Many participants in the survey expressed support for the hybrid work model, which gained popularity during the pandemic. This arrangement, allowing remote work and reducing commuting time, was seen as fostering increased productivity, family time, and team-building activities without compromising work quality.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the average work hours in India are 47.7 hours per week, significantly higher than the US average of 36.4 hours per week. Respondents in the survey favored a hybrid work model, suggesting a preference for a balanced approach that considers both professional and personal aspects.
The debate sparked by Murthy’s proposal highlights the varying perspectives on work-life balance in India, particularly among the younger workforce. As the country grapples with evolving work norms and aspirations, finding a consensus on optimal work hours remains a dynamic discussion within the professional community.
