Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently reignited the debate on work-life balance in India. He advocates a return to a six-day workweek, emphasizing relentless hard work as a key to India’s growth. However, his stance has drawn both praise and criticism online. Many youngsters feel aggrieved at his lack of sensitivity to the rat-race corporate structure. Thereby, highlighting the complexities of balancing ambition with well-being in a rapidly evolving society. Let’s talk!
Narayana Murthy’s Call for a Six-Day Workweek
🚨 "I believe in hard work over work-life balance; I was disappointed with India’s shift from a six-day workweek to five," says Narayana Murthy. pic.twitter.com/jHtsm0KH80
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) November 15, 2024
At the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Narayana Murthy once more expressed disappointment over India’s transition to a five-day workweek. Bharat’s corporate world took on the five-day work week change in 1986. And Murthy opposes it from its very beginning till date!
Unapologetically, Narayana Murthy said “I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave.”
Thereby, underscoring his belief that India needs a 70-hour workweek culture to compete globally.
The septuagenarian, Murthy, sees hard work as both a personal responsibility and a patriotic duty. He particularly advocates the 6-day work week or 70-hour work week for educated Indians who have benefited from subsidized education. For him, productivity is not merely an individual choice but a national need.
Additionally, Narayana Murthy cites PM Modi as a model of dedication. Murthy urged the youth to “work just as hard” as the leader, referring to PM Modi’s work ethic as exemplary. Unfortunately, this statement resonates with very few who see Bharat at the cusp of a bright future. And only this group views productivity as central to national pride and economic success.
6-Day Work Week: The Case for Relentless Work
‘Hard work’ has been the cornerstone of Narayana Murthy’s own success. Throughout his career, he maintained a grueling schedule where he spent up to 14 hours a day, six and a half days a week, in the office. His approach paid off as he stands today among Bharat’s foremost Technocrats! Hence, Murthy views such dedication as critical for India’s development. To him and his ilk, Bharat can achieve much more than what the world has seen so far.
Murthy explains his theory by drawing comparisons with post-war Germany and Japan, whose work-centric cultures helped them rebuild the nation after major setbacks.
Narayana Murthy’s emphasis on relentless effort echoes traditional values that equate success with sacrifice. To him, his vision is clear: economic progress and global competitiveness come from hard work, not relaxation or comfort. In his eyes, today’s generation has a responsibility to propel India forward through sacrifice and commitment, a mindset that has been at the core of his career and life philosophy.
The Other Side: The Need for Work-Life Balance
While Murthy’s call for hard work has merit, it raises questions about the importance of work-life balance in modern life. Continuous work without adequate rest leads to burnout, mental health issues, and physical ailments. Health and well-being are essential for long-term productivity. This ethos is part of Bharat’s cultural identity as well.
India marks a festival almost every month.
This showcases the importance Indians place on putting a pause on everyday work and celebrating life.
Modern research also suggests that happier, well-rested employees are often more efficient and productive.
Beyond individual health, work-life balance also promotes quality of life. Personal relationships, leisure activities, and hobbies provide emotional fulfillment and mental rejuvenation. In a world obsessed with material possessions, a good work-life balance places a premium on ‘happiness’ and ‘life experience’. An overemphasis on work risks ignoring these crucial aspects of life, leading to dissatisfaction and strained relationships.
The Corporate World also recognizes that employee well-being directly impacts corporate success.
Happy employees are more loyal, engaged, and productive. Global trends also show that reduced work hours can sometimes yield better results. Experiments in countries like Sweden with shorter workweeks have led to increased focus, reduced fatigue, and in some cases, improved productivity. This suggests that efficiency does not necessarily equate to long hours; it is more about working smarter within a balanced framework.
India’s Unique Cultural and Economic Context
India’s vast workforce comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and expectations. For many, work is not just about self-fulfillment but also about supporting families, pursuing further education, or engaging in community activities.
A five-day workweek is a desirable tick on any work aspirant’s check list! Why? Because, the five-day system allows individuals to play all these roles and more. Thereby, allowing employees more time for personal responsibilities and mental rest.
Moreover, today’s global economy values creativity and innovation, which often emerge when individuals have time to reflect and relax.
Many critics argue that Narayan Murthy’s perspective is only suitable for those who aim to touch the stars. Examples: startup and entrepreneurial aspirant. Murthy’s approach does not suit the broader workforce who juggle multiple roles and responsibilities.
Striking a Balance: The Road Ahead
A certain stance on work ethics and productivity worked for Narayana Murthy. However, it is not a global mantra or an essential truth for success. Hard work may be irreplaceable, but smart work is a better alternative. Murthy’s views may lead Bharat to a faster growth pattern, but it shall also render an entire generation of employees disconnected from their families.
As India grows, the ideal approach may lie in valuing both hard work and balance.
Why? Because, it is equally vital to ensuring employees remain healthy, creative, and fulfilled.
Companies can benefit by fostering work environments that prioritize efficient use of working hours rather than longer hours. Investing in employee well-being aligns with economic soundness and human dignity, building a foundation for sustained growth. In a world where ambition is tempered by well-being, perhaps the answer lies in achieving equilibrium – where neither work nor life is sidelined, and both contribute to a fulfilling existence.