Narayana Murthy Stands Firm on '70-Hour Workweek' Remark: 'Will Take It to My Grave

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy once again expressed his disappointment with the concept of a five-day work week and reiterated his belief against the notion of work-life balance. Speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Murthy emphasized the need for relentless hard work to propel India’s progress.

“I don’t believe in work-life balance,” Murthy stated firmly during the event. “I will take this belief to my grave.” He also referenced KV Kamath, the Independent Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Jio Financial Services, who has previously remarked that India, as a developing nation with numerous challenges, cannot afford the luxury of focusing on work-life balance.

A Call for Hard Work and Sacrifice

Murthy voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision to transition from a six-day work week to a five-day schedule in 1986, describing it as a setback. “When PM Modi works 100 hours a week, we should reflect on how we can contribute through our efforts,” he said, emphasizing that India’s progress relies on sacrifice and sustained effort, not on seeking comfort.

Highlighting his own work ethic, Murthy shared that he worked 14-hour days, dedicating six and a half days a week to his career. “I used to be in the office at 6:20 AM and leave after 8:30 PM,” he said, underscoring his belief that hard work is indispensable for individual and national success.

Murthy also pointed out that prosperity in any nation has historically been achieved through diligent and consistent effort. “My parents taught me early on that escaping poverty requires working very hard, assuming productivity from each hour of work,” he noted.

The 70-Hour Work Week Debate

This discussion follows a similar remark made by Murthy in October last year, where he proposed that young Indians should work at least 70 hours per week to enhance the country’s productivity. This statement sparked widespread debate, with opinions divided on whether productivity is driven by the quantity of work or its quality.

In an earlier interview with The Economic Times, Murthy revealed that he worked up to 85–90 hours a week until 1994. While some supported his views, others argued that balancing effort with efficiency yields better results.

Criticism of Freebies and Advocacy for "Compassionate Capitalism"

Murthy has consistently emphasized self-reliance and responsibility. At the recent Bengaluru Tech Summit, he criticized the concept of freebies, advocating for “compassionate capitalism” as a strategy to help India develop.

He suggested tying subsidies to measurable outcomes, such as increased school attendance, to ensure accountability. “For example, if you provide free electricity, link it to a 20% rise in attendance at primary and middle schools,” he explained.

Murthy’s remarks continue to spark conversations around work culture, productivity, and the path to India’s growth. Whether you agree with his stance or not, his advocacy for hard work remains a central theme of his vision for the nation’s future.