Debate over 70-hour workweek in India heats up

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

At the same time though, flexibility needs to go hand-in-hand with accountability and responsibility – and workers need to put in that extra effort and work to take the economy forward, HR heads, startup founders, business advisors and consultants told ET.

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy recently said on 3one4 Capital’s podcast that Indian youngsters need to work up to 70 hours a week to improve work productivity and enhance the country’s competitiveness on a global scale. The comment has stirred up a heated debate in social media and corporate circles, with the likes of Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal voicing his support, while some others on social media platform X have called it a ‘sweatshop attitude’.

Many feel that working as much as 70 hours a week will take a toll on not just work-life balance but also mental and physical health.

“After a while, the person may not remain intellectually alert.

What is the use if output takes a hit?” asks Amit Agarwal, chief executive of proptech unicorn NoBroker.

“I will generally not ask my employees, no matter what age, to work crazy long hours unless it is a customer emergency situation or fire-fighting. I encourage them to work productively, focus on output and maintain a work-life balance.

What is important is output, not hours,” added Agarwal.

High productivity should ideally come from investments in better skills, technology, policy efficiencies, work culture etc. rather than only additional hours, feelsArvindUsretay, commercial leader, India and South Asia at management consulting firmMercer.

“Theyoung generation today wants to contribute professionally but also protect their personal space and family time. Responsible employers are promoting a balanced approach, so