Rishad Premji backs work-life balance, takes a dig at Murthy's 70-hour week
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Rishad Premji, Executive Chairman of Wipro Ltd., emphasized the significance of work-life balance during a fireside chat at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024. Sharing insights from his professional journey, Premji stressed that individuals must take ownership of defining their work-life balance, as organizations cannot do it for them.
“Work-life balance is incredibly important,” said Premji. “I learned this early in my career, even before COVID-19. It's something you have to define for yourself and set boundaries for. Organizations will not work at it for you.”
His comments come amidst a broader debate on workplace culture, fueled recently by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s advocacy for a 70-hour work week. In contrast, Premji’s perspective reflects a growing acknowledgment of the need to prioritize mental health and personal well-being.
Hybrid Work Models: The New Normal
Premji also discussed the shift to hybrid work models post-pandemic. Wipro, like many Indian IT companies, has embraced a flexible approach, asking employees to return to the office for two days a week while retaining the option to work remotely.
“This hybrid model has been transformative. It balances the flexibility employees need while fostering collaboration in the workplace,” Premji noted.
Insights from Premji’s Journey
Premji shared personal lessons on maintaining balance, including focusing on sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Acknowledging that it's okay not to be okay, he highlighted the importance of agility and adaptability in navigating today’s fast-changing tech landscape.
India as a Global Tech Hub
Premji called India the “tech capital of the world,” noting how the perception of the country has shifted. “Today, companies come to India not just for cost advantages but to tap into exceptional talent. Walk the corridors of Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, and you’ll see why India is at the forefront of global innovation,” he said.
The Role of AI in Transformation
On artificial intelligence, Premji remarked that adoption is still in its early stages, with many companies experimenting through pilot projects. While automation continues to expand, he believes certain tasks still require human intervention, underscoring the complementary roles of humans and AI.
A Post-Pandemic Shift
Premji’s call for self-defined work-life balance aligns with a growing trend of organizations openly addressing employee well-being. His remarks resonate with the post-pandemic focus on creating sustainable work environments that prioritize flexibility, innovation, and personal growth.
