In a recent address at the CNBC-TV18 Global Leadership Summit, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy ignited a heated debate by openly rejecting the concept of work-life balance and voicing discontent over India's shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek. His candid remarks have drawn both admiration and backlash from the public, reigniting discussions about work culture in India. Murthy, who is renowned for his strong work ethic, stated, “I don’t believe in work-life balance," and expressed his frustration over the country’s transition to a shorter workweek. He recalled, "When we moved from a six-day to a five-day week in 1986, I was not happy. In this country, hard work is crucial because there’s no substitute for it. Even the most intelligent individuals must put in the effort.”
The tech pioneer reflected on a conversation he had with KV Kamath, chairman of Jio Financial Services, who decades ago remarked that in a developing nation like India, the priority should be to establish a solid foundation for life before considering work-life balance. Murthy further defended his controversial stance on the '70-hour workweek,' suggesting that even Prime Minister Modi epitomizes hard work, likely logging 100 hours a week. “The best way we can show appreciation is through our own hard work,” he declared, underscoring his commitment to his beliefs. However, Murthy's blunt comments have incited a flurry of reactions online, with many netizens expressing their discontent. Comments ranged from critiques regarding the unrealistic expectations placed on employees to concerns about the toll such work demands could take on family life.
One user pointedly remarked, “He wants slaves, not employees,” while another argued, “In the era of AI, one needs to work smart, not hard.” Amidst this controversy, the stark reality of work-related stress in India has gained attention, highlighted by the tragic deaths of two female employees linked to workplace pressures. One incident involved an additional deputy vice-president at HDFC Bank, who collapsed and died at her office, while the other was Anna Sebastian Perayil, a young employee at Ernst & Young, who succumbed to work-related stress just four months after joining the firm. As the debate surrounding work-life balance continues, Murthy remains steadfast in his beliefs, stating, “I will take this belief to my grave.” His comments have sparked a nationwide conversation about the balance between ambition and well-being in the modern workplace, leaving many to ponder the future of work culture in India.
