In a recent address at the Kilachand Memorial Lecture held in Mumbai on Monday, Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy took the opportunity to clear the air regarding his controversial comments from last year about the 70-hour workweek. The statements made by Murthy, which sparked a fiery debate across social media platforms, were revisited in his speech where he emphasized the importance of personal choice and cautioned against imposing one’s work habits on others.
Murthy’s comment last year, advocating for long working hours to achieve career success, stirred up a social media storm. His remark, suggesting that individuals should dedicate up to 70 hours a week to their jobs, faced backlash from various sections of society, including working professionals, wellness advocates, and corporate leaders. This statement led to extensive debates about work-life balance, employee well-being, and the ethics of long working hours in modern corporate cultures.
Murthy’s Clarification on Work Hours
While some perceived his comment as an endorsement of an intense work culture, Murthy on Monday clarified his views, stating that it is not for anyone to dictate how many hours one should work. “There’s nobody who can say you should do this, you should not do it” Murthy remarked. He emphasized that work hours are a matter of personal decision, and individuals should have the freedom to choose how long they wish to work. Murthy’s statement also delved into his personal experiences during the early years of Infosys, the company he co-founded, which is now India’s second-largest IT firm.
He recollected how he used to work tirelessly to lay the foundation for Infosys, often arriving at the office as early as 6:20 a.m. and leaving at 8:30 p.m. This routine, according to him, continued for over 40 years. Despite this demanding schedule, Murthy made it clear that these hours should not be considered as a benchmark for others to follow, stressing the individuality of work choices.
Murthy’s clarification comes at a time when corporate work cultures are being critically examined globally. Following Murthy’s comments, industry leaders have been sharing their perspectives on the matter, further fueling the discussion. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan also stirred the pot when he mentioned his own 90-hour workweek, expressing regret for not being able to make employees work on Sundays. He stated, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays.” Subrahmanyan’s remarks led to significant social media backlash, with many questioning the validity of promoting such extreme work hours, particularly in a world where mental health and work-life balance are gaining increasing importance.
On the other hand, billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani weighed in on the matter, offering a more balanced perspective. Adani stated that it is important to respect personal choices when it comes to work-life balance. He added, “Your work-life balance should not be imposed on me or vice versa” highlighting the need for mutual respect and understanding in corporate environments. His comments suggested that while hard work is crucial for growth, work hours should be tailored to the individual’s preferences, rather than adhering to a rigid model. In conclusion, the ongoing debate about work hours, sparked by NR Narayana Murthy’s comments on a 70-hour workweek, has illuminated the diversity of thought on the matter. While some advocate for extreme dedication to work, others are calling for a more balanced approach that prioritizes personal well-being.
As the corporate world continues to evolve, it will be important to find a middle ground where both professional success and employee health can coexist harmoniously. Ultimately, the decision of how many hours to work should be left to the individual, respecting their personal goals, lifestyle, and the broader context in which they operate.
