Infosys founder Narayana Murthy renews push for 70-hour workweek
KOLKATA, INDIA — Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Indian IT giant Infosys, has reignited his push for a 70-hour work week.
Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary event, Murthy reiterated his belief that longer working hours are essential to drive India’s economic growth and alleviate poverty.
Murthy argued that increased productivity from extended work weeks could generate higher tax revenues, which could then be used to uplift the 800 million Indians living in poverty. “If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?” he asked, urging young Indians to embrace this work ethic.
Capitalism and productivity: Murthy’s inspiration
Murthy’s views are shaped by his experiences abroad, particularly in Paris during the 1970s. He credited capitalism as a model for creating infrastructure and opportunities that drive economic growth.
“It is practicing capitalism while combining it with the best aspects of liberalism and socialism so that this country stands steadily as a stellar example of capitalism,” he explained.
He also pointed to India’s productivity gap compared to nations like China, where workers are reportedly 3.5 times more productive. To close this gap, Murthy believes a cultural shift toward longer and more focused work hours is necessary.
Backlash over extreme work schedules
Murthy first proposed the idea of a 70-hour work week last year during an interview with Indian venture capital firm 3one4 Capital. The suggestion has since faced strong criticism from labor unions and workplace experts. The All India IT and ITeS Employees’ Union condemned the proposal, calling it “illegal” and detrimental to employees’ health and well-being.
“With increasing automation, there needs to be a constant reduction in working hours to have more creative and leisure time,” the union stated.
Research challenges Murthy’s claims as well. A Stanford University study found that working beyond 49 hours per week leads to diminished productivity. Furthermore, data shows that countries with longer working hours do not necessarily achieve higher GDP per capita, suggesting other factors like industrial development play a larger role.
A divisive debate on work culture
Murthy’s stance aligns with similar views expressed by global tech leaders like Jack Ma and Elon Musk, who have also endorsed demanding work schedules. However, his comments come at a time when many nations are experimenting with shorter work weeks to enhance productivity and employee well-being.
While Murthy insists that hard work is key to India’s success, critics argue that quality of work — not just quantity — should be prioritized. This ongoing debate highlights the tension between economic ambitions and employee welfare in today’s evolving global workforce.
