Recent remarks by two prominent corporate leaders—Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan and Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy—have ignited a heated debate across India. Subrahmanyan advocated for a 90-hour workweek, while Murthy suggested a 70-hour workweek, sparking concerns about the implications for worker welfare and the job market. These controversial statements have spotlighted the ongoing tension between corporate goals and labor rights in India.

90 Hour workweek Debate

Subrahmanyan’s proposal effectively calls for employees to work 15 hours daily across six days, including Sundays, doubling the standard eight-hour workday model recognized globally. Similarly, Murthy’s suggestion of a 70-hour workweek entails 10-hour workdays over seven days. Both statements, under the guise of driving national productivity, have drawn sharp criticism for ignoring basic human needs like sleep, personal time, and mental well-being.

Such work schedules reflect an alarming corporate mindset: maximizing productivity at the expense of employee welfare. These suggestions not only challenge international labor standards but also risk undermining worker morale and overall societal well-being.

India recently replaced 44 labor laws with four consolidated Labor Codes, aiming to simplify compliance and boost employment. However, critics argue these reforms favor corporations over workers. The new codes are accused of weakening safeguards like fixed working hours, minimum wages, and protections against arbitrary terminations. This dilution has created a fertile ground for corporates to propose exploitative work regimes.

The Indian economy has been grappling with jobless growth since liberalization began in the 1990s. A report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights that while the economy has expanded, employment opportunities have not kept pace. The unemployment rate, which stood at 6.9% in 1991, has since shown fluctuating trends, often exacerbated by automation and corporate cost-cutting.

Murthy’s and Subrahmanyan’s remarks reveal a deeper issue: corporate reluctance to create new jobs. Instead of hiring additional workers, companies are increasingly burdening their existing workforce, leading to overwork and burnout.

Mental Health and Social Well-being at workplace

The potential impact of such proposals on mental health cannot be overstated. Former badminton star Jwala Gutta criticized Subrahmanyan’s comments, emphasizing the importance of rest and mental well-being. Long working hours have been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as a higher risk of physical ailments like heart disease and diabetes.

The absence of downtime also affects social and personal lives, eroding relationships and hindering opportunities for personal growth. This neglect of worker welfare could ultimately harm productivity, as stressed employees are less efficient and more prone to errors.

Despite the uproar, the Indian government has remained largely silent on the issue. Critics argue this reflects governmental complicity or an unwillingness to confront powerful corporate interests. The Labor Ministry, for instance, could have taken suo moto action against such proposals, labeling them as detrimental to national interest and worker welfare.

The rise in corporate profits has not translated into improved conditions for workers. A study by the Economic Policy Institute found that corporate profits were a significant driver of inflation in recent years. Between 2020 and 2021, corporate profits accounted for over half the price growth, outpacing GDP growth by more than 3.5 times over the past four years.

This disparity underscores a troubling reality: while corporations thrive, workers face stagnant wages, rising living costs, and deteriorating work conditions. Basic necessities like housing, healthcare, and nutritious food remain out of reach for many.

Implications for Prime Minister Modi’s Vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Budget 2024 aimed to address India’s economic challenges through nine foundational pillars, including employment, manufacturing, and inclusive development. However, corporate practices like overworking employees and minimizing hiring threaten to derail these goals.

By focusing on infrastructure development and fiscal reforms, the government hopes to boost growth to 7% in FY 2026. But such progress requires a balanced approach, where corporate interests align with national objectives and worker welfare.

The remarks by Narayana Murthy and S.N. Subrahmanyan have sparked a crucial national conversation about labor rights, corporate responsibility, and economic priorities. While their intentions might have been to highlight productivity, their proposals highlight a deeper need for fair employment practices and worker-centric policies. The government must act to ensure a future where economic growth does not come at the cost of human dignity.