One of India's prominent business leaders has emphasized the need for young Indians to commit to 70-hour workweeks in order to unlock their nation's economic potential.
Narayana Murthy, who co-founded Infosys in 1981 and boasts a net worth of approximately $4.3 billion, according to Forbes, has underscored that India currently ranks among the world's lowest in terms of productivity. He contends that it falls upon the country's youth to instigate a transformation in its work culture.
India possesses a youthful demographic, with approximately 66% of its population under the age of 35, as per data from the International Labour Organization (ILO). Murthy remarked, "Our ethos must evolve towards that of resolute, exceptionally disciplined, and exceedingly industrious individuals." He further noted that this is an opportune moment to "consolidate and expedite" India's economic advancement, particularly as the country garners global recognition for its rapidly growing economy, poised to become the world's second-largest economy by 2075.
However, India already has one of the lengthiest average workweeks globally, with employed individuals working an average of 47.7 hours per week, according to the ILO. This places India seventh in the global ranking, with only Qatar, Congo, Lesotho, Bhutan, Gambia, and the United Arab Emirates surpassing these numbers.
Murthy's statements have sparked a lively debate on social media, with some expressing concerns that following his advice may lead to burnout. Tech entrepreneur Vishal Gondal shared his thoughts on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "With all due respect, Narayana Murthy ji, while hard work is essential, a 70-hour workweek may risk burnout and hinder creativity." He emphasized that nurturing minds rather than overburdening them fosters innovation, positioning nations at the forefront of global progress. Furthermore, a 70-hour workweek could present challenges for working women, who often shoulder a significant portion of household responsibilities.
A time-use survey conducted in 2019 revealed that Indian women dedicated approximately 299 minutes daily to housework and 134 minutes to caregiving, while men spent only 97 minutes on household chores and 76 minutes on caregiving. One woman, in an X post, expressed concern, stating that Mr. Murthy's statement essentially excludes women from the workplace and that men are unlikely to share the burden of household chores, caregiving, and child-rearing.