Murthy had said productivity has to rise for the country to grow. “So, therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, ‘This is my country. I’d like to work 70 hours a week’,” he had said.
Now, the debate whether working such long hours is worth the effort has taken multiple dimensions, depending on how closely it is linked to how we look at our careers and our lives.
The productivity versus well-being dimension
Somdutta Singh, Founder and CEO of Assiduus Global Inc, says 70 hours of work per week can be quite challenging. “In my opinion, it might not be the most sustainable or productive approach. While dedication and hard work are crucial, there’s a growing emphasis on work-life balance and mental health. Sustaining a 70-hour workweek can lead to burnout, impacting productivity and overall well-being,” says Singh, also an advisor to the Government of India (Niti Aayog).
ILO doesn't clock in to Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week model
Dhirendra Vashisht, Director-India Operations at Bastian Solutions, says he “shares Mr. Narayan Murthy’s thoughts” that productivity has to rise in India and this is a way to ensure progress. “However, I advocate for a more subtle approach rather than going for a 70 hour workweek, as extended working hours can lead to increased stress, anxiety and depression. It can also contribute to burnout, impacting one’s ability to concentrate, make decisions and negatively affecting
Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com