Narayana Murthy's BIG statement on 70-hour workweek, this time Infosys co-founder says...

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy addressed recent debates surrounding his suggestion that young professionals should work 70 hours a week. Speaking at the Kilachand Memorial Lecture on ‘Compassionate Capitalism’ in Mumbai, Murthy clarified that such a workload should never be imposed, urging individuals instead to introspect and determine their own approach to work and progress.

Murthy shared his personal experience, recounting decades of long hours. “I used to get to the office at 6.30 am and leave at 8.30 pm. That’s a fact. I have done it for 40-odd years,” he said, adding that such decisions are personal and not for public judgment.

Amid broader discussions sparked by Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s call for a 90-hour workweek, Murthy stopped short of endorsing extreme hours universally. Instead, he highlighted the importance of understanding the connection between work ethic and economic growth, particularly in India, where a significant portion of the population depends on free food grains. He quoted German sociologist Max Weber, emphasising discipline and perseverance as key drivers of national success.

Murthy also addressed corporate greed, advocating for "compassionate capitalism," a model balancing profit and societal well-being to rebuild trust and promote sustainable development.

Other industry leaders have voiced contrasting views on work-life balance. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, stressed enjoying one’s work and spending time with family. “If you like what you do, your work-life balance will naturally align,” he said, humorously warning against neglecting personal relationships.

Namita Thapar of Emcure Pharmaceuticals also called for balanced work cultures, emphasising reasonable work hours for employees while encouraging stakeholders to pursue their ambitions.