Narayana Murthy: 70-Hour Workweek Should Be a Choice

On Monday, business tycoon and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy clarified his controversial comments about a 70-hour workweek, emphasizing that he made it a “personal choice” and should not impose it on others.

According to India Today, Narayana Murthy commented during the Kilachand Memorial Lecture that the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC) organized on Monday.

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Narayana Murthy Clarifies 70-Hour Workweek Remarks

India Today quoted the Infosys co-founder saying, “No one has the right to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.”

This followed the industrialist’s comments on the debate surrounding long working hours for private employees, where he shared his views on work ethics and dedication to one’s job.

Although he had earlier suggested that young Indians strive for a 70-hour workweek, Murthy recently clarified that such a lifestyle was his personal choice and should not be seen as advice to enforce on employees.

In response to both critics and supporters, Murthy stated, “No one has the right to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do,” while discussing his work schedule during the early years of his career.

‘I would arrive at the office at 6 am’: Narayana Murthy reflects on his work habits

He said, “I would arrive at the office by 6:20 am and leave at 8:30 pm. I followed this routine for over 40 years. That’s a fact, so no one can say it’s wrong.”

Murthy further clarified that although he followed this routine, he did not expect others to do the same, emphasizing that work habits are personal and should not be the subject of public debate.

Murthy added, “These are not matters for public discussion or debate. They are personal issues that one can reflect on, consider, conclude about, and then act accordingly.”

Murthy’s clarification comes at a time when there is an increasing national debate on work culture in India, sparked by his remarks and those of leaders like Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who endorsed a 90-hour workweek.

Their comments faced strong criticism from the corporate world, with many questioning the feasibility and ethics of imposing such extreme work expectations.

Billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani later joined the debate, stating that work-life balance should be a personal choice.

In a recent interview, Adani said, “Your approach to work-life balance should not be forced upon me, and my work-life balance shouldn’t be imposed on you.”

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