Debate on 70-90 Hour Work Weeks

 A Clash of Ideologies: 70-90 Hour Work Weeks


90 hour work

The recent remarks by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan on advocating for a work culture that extends to 70-90 hours per week have sparked widespread debate. Their comments touch on productivity, global competitiveness, and the expectations placed on employees in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. These statements have polarized opinions, bringing into focus the clash between traditional work ethics and modern perspectives on work-life balance.

Narayana Murthy’s Call for Hard Work

Narayana Murthy, a stalwart of India’s IT revolution, recently opined that young Indians should work up to 70 hours a week to boost the country’s productivity. He argued that such a commitment is essential for India to compete with global economies like China and the United States. Murthy’s vision is rooted in his own journey of building Infosys from the ground up, where long hours and relentless dedication were integral to success.

Murthy’s rationale hinges on the idea that India’s demographic dividend—a young and growing workforce—needs to be fully leveraged. In his view, the path to prosperity and innovation lies in embracing a strong work ethic. His comments, however, come at a time when conversations about burnout, mental health, and flexible working arrangements are gaining traction worldwide.

L&T Chairman’s Alignment with Murthy’s Views

Adding weight to Murthy’s argument, S.N. Subrahmanyan, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro, expressed similar sentiments. He suggested that long working hours could be justified by the need to achieve ambitious national goals and personal growth. Subrahmanyan emphasized that countries with robust economies often have a culture of intense dedication to work. He cited examples of nations like Japan and South Korea, where extended work hours have historically been part of their developmental narrative.

Subrahmanyan’s perspective resonates with the ethos of a company like L&T, known for its engineering and construction projects that often demand high levels of commitment and precision. However, his comments also sparked criticism for overlooking the potential downsides of such demanding work schedules.

Real-Life Examples and Individual Challenges


While the vision of extended work hours may appeal to some, real-life stories highlight the complex realities of such demands:

IT Professional Facing Burnout: Rajesh Kumar, a software engineer in Bengaluru, worked over 80 hours a week to meet tight deadlines for a global client. Initially, he felt proud of his contribution, but the grueling schedule soon took a toll on his health. Rajesh developed chronic back pain and anxiety, leading him to take a sabbatical. His story underscores how excessive hours can lead to burnout, affecting both personal health and professional output.

Construction Worker Struggling with Family Responsibilities: Sunita Devi, a construction site supervisor, often worked 12-hour shifts to oversee critical projects. Her extended hours left little time for her two young children, who were cared for by relatives. Over time, the strain on her family relationships grew, and she considered leaving her job despite her passion for construction. Sunita’s experience highlights the disproportionate burden on working mothers in high-demand roles.

Junior Doctor in a Government Hospital: Dr. Arvind Patel, a junior doctor in a public hospital, regularly clocked over 90 hours a week during the COVID-19 pandemic. While his dedication saved countless lives, the physical and emotional strain led to severe exhaustion and a compromised immune system. Arvind’s case illustrates the risks of overworking in professions critical to public welfare.

Start-up Founder Facing Isolation: Meera Nair, a young entrepreneur, worked around the clock to build her start-up from scratch. While her efforts resulted in initial success, the isolation from friends and family left her feeling lonely and unfulfilled. Her journey reflects the psychological cost of adhering to a "hustle culture."

The Economic Perspective

Proponents of the 70-90 hour work week argue that extended hours could lead to higher productivity, innovation, and economic growth. They point to historical examples where nations undergoing industrial and technological revolutions saw their citizens working longer hours. In many ways, this perspective aligns with the ethos of the “hustle culture” that has become prominent in recent years.

However, critics argue that productivity does not necessarily correlate with longer hours. Studies have shown that beyond a certain threshold, extended working hours lead to diminishing returns, fatigue, and mistakes. The International Labour Organization (ILO) and other bodies have highlighted the importance of balancing work with rest to maintain long-term productivity and employee well-being.

The Social and Cultural Implications

Murthy and Subrahmanyan’s comments also touch on deeper cultural issues. In countries like India, where the workforce is deeply diverse, implementing a 70-90 hour work week raises questions about inclusivity and fairness. Women, who often juggle professional and domestic responsibilities, could find such expectations particularly challenging. Additionally, workers in blue-collar jobs might face exploitation under the guise of extended work hours.

Culturally, the advocacy for longer hours harks back to an era when hard work was equated with moral virtue. While this mindset might inspire some, it can alienate younger generations who prioritize work-life balance and mental health. Millennials and Gen Z employees, in particular, often value flexible working conditions and opportunities for personal growth over sheer hours logged.

The Mental Health and Burnout Debate


The global discourse around mental health has gained significant momentum in recent years, with organizations and governments acknowledging the detrimental effects of overwork. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified burnout as an occupational phenomenon, linking it to prolonged exposure to stress and insufficient recovery time.

Advocating for 70-90 hour work weeks risks normalizing an environment that could exacerbate mental health issues. Employees working such hours are likely to experience higher levels of stress, reduced job satisfaction, and strained personal relationships. This could, in turn, lead to higher attrition rates and a less engaged workforce.

The Generational Divide

The contrasting views on work hours also reflect a generational divide. For leaders like Murthy and Subrahmanyan, who built their careers during an era of rapid industrialization, long hours were a necessity. For younger professionals, however, the focus is increasingly on smarter, not harder, work.

The advent of technology has enabled remote working, flexible schedules, and tools that enhance productivity without necessitating longer hours. Younger workers often prioritize holistic development, including hobbies, social connections, and mental well-being, as integral parts of a fulfilling life.

Global Comparisons and Lessons

Countries like Sweden and Denmark, known for their high standards of living and strong economies, have adopted shorter workweeks while maintaining productivity. These nations prioritize employee well-being, offering lessons in how balanced work cultures can coexist with economic success.

Conversely, nations like Japan, which have historically embraced long working hours, are now grappling with issues like “karoshi”—death due to overwork. Japan’s government has since implemented measures to curb excessive work hours, recognizing their detrimental impact on public health and productivity.

The debate on work culture and hours requires a nuanced approach. While the ambition to propel India’s economic growth is laudable, it must be balanced with the needs and aspirations of a diverse workforce. Policymakers, business leaders, and employees must collaborate to create environments that foster productivity without compromising well-being.

Organizations could consider adopting hybrid models that combine the rigor of long hours during critical periods with flexibility and downtime. Encouraging employees to focus on outcomes rather than hours logged could also help shift the narrative.

Take Away

The comments by Narayana Murthy and S.N. Subrahmanyan have reignited an important discussion about the nature of work in contemporary society. While their advocacy for extended work hours stems from a desire to see India thrive, it is essential to weigh these aspirations against the realities of modern work dynamics.

Achieving a balance between productivity and well-being is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic one. As India continues to carve its place on the global stage, fostering a work culture that values both ambition and humanity will be key to sustained success.

Comments