Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys has been met with controversy due to his advocacy for young people to work 70 hours a week, in an attempt to increase India’s productivity. Infosys, a prominent company specializing in software development, maintenance, and independent validation services for various sectors, has long been associated with the technological advancements driving India’s economic growth. This 70-hour work week, which works out as working over full-time for 6 days a week, is supported by many in an effort to increase productivity.
This can be seen through MP Manish Tewari on X (formally Twitter), who explained that he regularly works hours longer than 70 hours a week. He explained that ‘If India has to truly become a great power one or even two generations have to make 70 hours a week their work ethic’. However, many people have found this claim controversial, as a 70-hour work week could lead to burnout, reduced productivity and negatively impact employee’s work-life balance.
According to the International Labour Organisation, Indian workers currently work an average of 47.7 hours a week, which is higher than other Asian countries such as 46.1 hours in China and 42.6 in Singapore.
This debate is starkly contrasted in Western countries, where there is an increase in focus upon employee’s mental and physical health, which has promoted talk of a 4-day work week. This contrast in focuses is echoed by the current average, in which the UK works 35.9 hours a week and German workers at an average of 35.9 hours a week.
This contrast emphasises a cultural difference in focus upon the countries productivity versus the individual worker’s well-being. As both sides have valid reasons for the length of their work week, it is up the individual managers to decided what hours they think is best. This debate, with a large range of potential hours highlights the need for finding a middle ground that acknowledges both the importance of productivity but also employee welfare to find a compromise that works well for everyone.