In recent days, India has been embroiled in a heated debate over the appropriate number of working hours in a week. The catalyst for this discussion was NR Narayana Murthy, a prominent software billionaire and father-in-law of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Murthy argued that young people in India should be prepared to work 70 hours a week in order to contribute to the country’s development and improve its work productivity, which he claims is one of the lowest in the world.
The response to Murthy’s comments has been mixed, with both support and criticism flooding social media platforms and opinion pages of newspapers. While some agree that increasing work hours could boost productivity, others point out the potential drawbacks, such as low starting salaries for engineers in Indian technology companies and the negative impact on physical and mental health.
One of the major concerns raised by critics is the lack of work-life balance. They argue that working 70 hours a week leaves no time for socializing, spending time with family, exercising, or engaging in recreational activities. Dr. Deepak Krishnamurthy, a cardiologist based in Bengaluru, even highlights the alarming rise in heart attacks among young people as a consequence of such demanding work schedules.
Another point of contention is the disparity between the expectations for men and women. Many women in India already work well over 70 hours a week, both at their jobs and in managing household responsibilities. This discrepancy raises questions about gender equality and the need for more inclusive work policies.
The ongoing debate takes place against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted individuals to reassess their relationship with work. The experience of remote work during lockdowns has led some to believe that they are more productive outside of traditional office environments, while others emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Studies suggest that implementing work-life balance policies benefits not only employees but also companies. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), organizations that prioritize work-life balance experience higher employee retention, improved recruitment outcomes, lower rates of absenteeism, and increased productivity. In this regard, simply working longer hours may not be the only solution to boost productivity. Indian entrepreneur Ronnie Screwvala argues that upskilling, creating a positive work environment, and offering fair pay for quality work are equally important factors.
The topic of working hours brings to the forefront issues related to labor rights and the enforcement of existing laws in India. While the country has robust labor laws, activists argue that government officials need to ensure their strict implementation. Recent protests against a bill proposing longer working hours in factories illustrate the concerns surrounding workers’ rights.
This is not the first time NR Narayana Murthy has faced criticism for advocating extended work hours. In 2020, he suggested that Indians work a minimum of 64 hours a week for several years to compensate for the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. Similarly, another Indian CEO received backlash for promoting an 18-hour workday for young professionals. However, some business leaders, such as CP Gurnani, CEO of Tech Mahindra, offer a more nuanced interpretation of Murthy’s advice. Gurnani believes that Murthy’s message goes beyond the company and encompasses personal and national growth. He emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to self-improvement and becoming an expert in one’s field.
While India grapples with the question of longer working hours, several developed countries have been exploring alternative models. Belgium, for example, changed its laws to allow workers to adopt a four-day workweek without a reduction in salary. The move aims to create a more dynamic and productive economy. In the UK, a six-month trial scheme organized by 4 Day Week Global resulted in 56 out of 61 participating companies opting to continue with the four-day workweek. The scheme’s impact assessment highlighted numerous benefits, particularly for employee well-being.
As the debate on working hours continues in India, it raises fundamental questions about productivity, work-life balance, gender equality, and the efficacy of alternative models. Finding the right balance is crucial for the well-being of employees and the overall development of the country.
