Infosys founder defends call for 70-hour workweeks, says he "doesn't believe in a work/life balance"
In October 2023, Murthy suggested that young people work twelve-hour days for the next 20 years, 50 years, whatever it is, out of a sense of duty...
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy is once again facing criticism for talking about the benefits of working every hour that you're awake. The Indian entrepreneur, who previously called for young people to work 70-hour weeks, has doubled down on this comment by stating he does not "believe in work-life balance."
In October 2023, Murthy suggested that young people work twelve-hour days for the "next 20 years, 50 years, whatever it is," out of a sense of duty to the nation and to support future generations. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi can work 100 hours per week, as do his cabinet ministers; therefore, citizens should show their appreciation by doing the same.
Murthy's appeal comes despite the fact that working 70-hour weeks violates Indian labor laws and is considered illegal in the country.
Murthy doubled down on his views in January. At the recent CNBC Global Leadership Summit, he was asked if he still stood by his 70-hour-week proposal. "Absolutely," he said. "I don't believe in work-life balance […] I have not changed my view; I will take this with me to my grave," he told CNBC-TV18.
Murthy seems to have an equal amount of hatred for taking weekends off as he does for spending a day not working until you pass out. He expressed his lament when companies moved from a six-day work week to a five-day work week in 1986.
"I was not very happy with that. I think in this country, we have to work very hard because there is no substitute for hard work even if you're the most intelligent guy," he said.