Debate Erupts Over Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Workweek Suggestion

Controversy erupted following narayana Murthy’s comments advocating for a 70-hour workweek, suggesting that it’s essential for success. Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram criticized Murthy’s viewpoint, stating, ‘Working longer is meaningless.’ In contrast, Namita Thapar, Executive Director at Emcure Pharmaceuticals, supported the idea, remarking, ‘For those who are making tons of money, longer hours become like a badge of honor.’ This discussion within the Indian corporate culture raises serious questions about work-life balance, with calls for a re-evaluation of work expectations in the post-pandemic era. Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, maintains that increasing work hours is key to attaining greater success. Many, however, argue that a focus on productivity and employee well-being is equally, if not more, important.