In a recent podcast interview, NR Narayana Murthy, a prominent software billionaire and father-in-law of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, ignited a heated debate in India by suggesting that young people should be prepared to work 70 hours a week to boost the country’s productivity and development.
This statement, meant to address India’s low work productivity on a global scale, stirred a flurry of opinions on social media and the opinion pages of newspapers.
Critics of Mr. Murthy’s proposition pointed out the relatively low starting salaries for engineers in Indian tech companies, emphasizing that the workload should be balanced with fair compensation.
Others raised concerns about the potential physical and mental health consequences of working long hours without respite, highlighting the detrimental impact on social life, family time, exercise, and recreation.
The gender aspect of the debate was also brought to the forefront, with some noting that many women in India already work well beyond 70 hours a week, balancing responsibilities at both the office and their homes.
This debate unfolds against the backdrop of a global reevaluation of work-life dynamics prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While some have discovered increased productivity when working from home, others emphasize the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
Experts weigh in, emphasizing that boosting productivity is not merely about working longer hours but also about upskilling, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring fair pay for the work done.
They assert that the quality of work delivered should take precedence over the number of hours clocked in.
India has strong labor laws, but activists argue that there is a need for stricter enforcement. Earlier this year, protests successfully compelled the Tamil Nadu state government to withdraw a bill that would have extended working hours in factories.
Mr. Murthy has previously faced criticism for advocating similar long working hours to counter the economic slowdown during the coronavirus lockdown. In 2020, he suggested that Indians should work a minimum of 64 hours a week for two to three years.
However, some business leaders in India agree with Mr. Murthy’s advice. CEOs like CP Gurnani of Tech Mahindra argue that the recommendation extends beyond working for a company but also includes personal development and contributing to the country.
They propose a more holistic approach, balancing work hours with self-improvement and expertise development.
While India grapples with the idea of extended working hours, some developed countries are experimenting with shorter workweeks. Belgium recently granted workers the right to work four days a week without salary reduction, with the aim of creating a more dynamic and productive economy.
In the UK, several companies participated in a six-month trial of a four-day workweek, with most indicating that they would continue with the new schedule. Such experiments are being celebrated for their potential to improve employee well-being and redefine work-life norms.
As the debate rages on, India finds itself at a crossroads, contemplating whether longer hours are the path to productivity or if there’s a more balanced approach to a brighter future.
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