When Narayana Murthy, co-founder, Infosys had first talked of 70-hour workweeks, his statement hadn’t gone down well at all. There was social-media uproar. ‘What of work-life balance?’ questioned netizens. The death of a young EY employee due to work stress only gave birth to more advocates of work-life balance and employee well-being. While the world debated, not only did Narayana Murthy stay calm but he stood by what he said.
In fact, at a recent event he once again called on the young professionals of the country to work harder and put in 70 hours of work a week if they wanted to make India a global leader.
When such a wise man makes a comment, it cannot be dismissed without thought. After all, his words are rooted in his own experiences of hard work and building a legacy. Infosys is a name to reckon with today because he spent his youth to create that brand.
He is not wrong in asking young professionals to work hard. As youngsters, they are at their healthiest best and can afford to go that extra mile and reap long-term benefits. There is no harm in putting in their all now, so that they can bask in success later.
At a time when nations are trying out shorter workweeks and some are even implementing four-day workweeks, the very thought of putting in more hours of work sounds almost profane.
Indeed, the idea of clocking long hours often evokes images of dedication and grit. Historically, it was perhaps necessary to fuel economies in their infancy, as entrepreneurs and employees worked tirelessly to build something meaningful. In today’s world, however, this may not be the most effective—or sustainable—way forward. The important question here is, ‘Are we valuing output or simply optics?’
True productivity isn’t about the hours clocked; it’s about the value created. Innovation, creativity, and well-being cannot flourish in an environment of burnout. Numerous studies have shown that overworking employees diminishes their ability to think clearly, solve problems creatively, and contribute meaningfully. Employees who are passionate about the work they are doing may be able to give the same output as those who are disengaged but putting in 70 hours of work a week, if not more.
In fact, the modern workforce is evolving. Today’s employees are not only looking for opportunities to work but also for validation, psychological safety, and a sense of autonomy. A culture that demands long hours without considering these factors may achieve short-term results but risks losing out on long-term innovation and loyalty.
Murthy’s generation was predominantly made up of husbands who could slog it out all day, and all week and come home to wives who efficiently raised children in their absence and managed household affairs.
Today, both the husband and the wife are slogging it out. In fact, they are so busy chasing their individual career goals that they have no time to think of raising a family let alone pursue hobbies. That is why work-life balance is so important to them. They value their ‘me time’ and ‘personal space’, and therefore, they try to work smart.
Also, Murthy is thinking not just about his own self, but his motherland. Youngsters today primarily think about their own self and their ambitions. They put their own happiness and needs before anyone else’s. So be it! Let them achieve their personal goals first. When millions of youth proudly do well for themselves, their country will naturally thrive and find itself shining on the world map.
Perhaps it’s time to redefine ambition. Hard work will always have its place, but working smarter—not just harder—must be the mantra of the future. Organisations should aim to inspire their teams to give their best, not by demanding endless hours but by fostering environments that nurture creativity, collaboration and well-being.
The question is no longer whether young professionals should work 70 hours a week. Instead, it’s whether organisations can create cultures where every hour spent working genuinely counts.
1 Comment
A person who enjoys work does not count hours. He just works. It is important to learn to enjoy work. Mahatma gandhi used to say “Work is worship”. I think those who count hours need to relook at their cocnept of work. We are working all the time. In my view even when yous ellp youa re resting to prepare for next days work.