The idea of working 70 hours a week to boost India’s economy has sparked a heated debate in the country, with some supporting it as a necessary sacrifice and others condemning it as an illegal and inhumane practice. The controversy was triggered by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who said that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to achieve greatness and compete with the US and China.
Murthy’s remarks spark outrage and support
Murthy, who is also the father-in-law of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, made his comments during a podcast with Indian philanthropist T.V. Mohandas Pai in October. He criticized the younger generation for adopting “not so desirable habits” from the West, inferring they are not hardworking enough.
“India’s work productivity is one of the lowest in the world. Our youngsters must say: ‘This is my country, I want to work 70 hours a week,’” he said. “They are the ones that can build the country with gusto.”
His remarks sparked a backlash on social media, with many users expressing their distaste for his opinion. Some called him “out of touch” and “elitist”, while others pointed out the negative effects of overwork on mental and physical health, as well as on family and social life.
Indian labor union, All India IT and ITeS Employees’ Union, condemned Murthy’s comments, saying that a 70-hour work week is “illegal” and employees should not be forced to work more than 48 hours a week, which comes up to 8 hours daily for a 6-day workweek.
However, some industry leaders and entrepreneurs agreed with Murthy, saying that working longer hours is necessary for India to compete on the global stage and achieve economic growth. They argued that the concept of having a work-life balance is “very Western” and that Indians should be willing to make sacrifices for their country.
“If you want to be No. 1, if you want to be the best, the youngsters have to put in the hard work and hours into the job,” said Ayushmaan Kapoor, founder of software development firm Xeno. “India is truly trying to compete with the US and China. If we want to achieve greatness, then yes, those are the number of hours and the kind of sacrifices we must make.”
How long do Indians work?
According to the International Labour Organization, Indians currently work an average of 47.7 hours a week, which is higher than the US (36.4), the UK (35.9), and Germany (34.4). They also work more than other Asian countries such as China (46.1), Singapore (42.6), and Japan (36.6).
However, these figures may not reflect the actual working hours of many Indians, especially those who work in the informal sector or in the gig economy, where there is no regulation or protection of labor rights. Many Indians also work with global clients and have to adjust to different time zones, which may result in longer and irregular working hours.
Vivek Mudaliar, who has had more than 20 years of human resources experience in globally known companies like Reliance Industries, DBS Bank and HSBC, said that many Indians are already working 55 to 60 hours a week, and that Murthy’s suggestion of 70 hours is not far-fetched.
“This is the reality in India, especially for those who work with global clients and have calls and meetings at odd hours,” Mudaliar said, adding that negative comments surrounding Murthy’s opinion are just a “knee-jerk reaction.”
He told CNBC that “70 hours just sounds like a very high number. People wouldn’t have reacted so much if he said 60 hours.”
Does working longer hours lead to higher productivity?
One of the main arguments in favor of working longer hours is that it will increase productivity and efficiency, which will in turn boost the economy and create more opportunities. However, this may not be the case, as studies have shown that working longer hours can have adverse effects on productivity, as well as on health, well-being, and creativity.
According to a study by Stanford University, productivity per hour declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours a week, and drops off so much after 55 hours that there is no point in working any more. The study also found that people who work 70 hours a week produce nothing more than those who work 56 hours.
Another study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that countries with shorter working hours tend to have higher productivity levels than those with longer working hours. For instance, Germany, which has an average working week of 34.4 hours, has a productivity level of $104.20 per hour, while India, which has an average working week of 47.7 hours, has a productivity level of $6.30 per hour.
Working longer hours can also lead to increased stress, fatigue, burnout, and mental health issues, which can affect the quality and quantity of work, as well as the motivation and morale of workers. Moreover, working longer hours can reduce the time and energy available for personal and social activities, such as family, friends, hobbies, and leisure, which are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
What is the way forward?
The debate over the 70-hour workweek in India reflects the diverse and complex realities of the country, where there is a huge gap between the rich and the poor, the formal and the informal, and the urban and the rural. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the country’s economic and social challenges, and different sectors and regions may require different approaches and policies.
However, some experts and activists have suggested that instead of focusing on the quantity of work, India should focus on the quality of work, and ensure that workers are paid fairly, treated with dignity, and given adequate protection and benefits. They have also advocated for more flexible and innovative work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, and co-working spaces, that can cater to the diverse needs and preferences of workers and employers.
Additionally, some have argued that India should invest more in education, skill development, technology, and infrastructure, which can enhance the productivity and competitiveness of the country, without compromising the well-being and rights of workers. They have also emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, creativity, and collaboration, which can enable India to achieve greatness and excellence in various fields and domains.
