Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys.
Billionaire businessman Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, shocked the internet by advocating a 70-hour work week.
“I don’t believe in work-life balance”the billionaire fired at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, arguing that long working hours are fundamental to economic and social progress.
Narayana Murthywhose net worth is estimated at 4.8 billion euros according to , pointed to the post-war recovery in countries such as Japan and Germany as examples of the benefits of hard work and dedication to productivity.
The businessman considers that, for India, a nation still struggling for economic growth, this work ethic is essential to guarantee a better future for the next generations.
“I don’t believe in work-life balance,” declares Infosys’ Narayana Murthy as he defends his infamous ’70-hour work-week’ comment while talking to Shereen Bhan at CNBC TV18’s Global Leadership Summit
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News)
However, his proposal directly clashes with Indian labor laws, which limit the working week to 48 hours. Critics argue that forcing workers to work much longer could have serious implications for your physical and mental well-being.
Workplace health experts warn that working too many hours can have the opposite effect. Overwork has been linked to reduced productivity, burnout, and long-term health problems.
In Japan, for example, the phenomenon of , has been a tragic consequence of extreme work cultures. This has even led the Japanese government to introduce policies aimed at reducing working hours and encouraging work-life balance.
Despite these warnings, Murthy defends his position, citing his own career as an example. The billionaire says he worked 14 hours a day during his professional peak and highlights that the “Quality” of time spent with children was more important than “quantity”.
Murthy’s comments come at a time when Infosys, the company he co-founded, is facing accusations of poor labor practices. The reports highlight allegations that Infosys kept thousands of young engineers in limbo by offering unpaid training and delaying formal job offers.
Earlier this year, the company also forced employees to return to the office, a move that caused dissatisfaction among workers. These controversies reinforce criticism that Infosys, like many large companies, prioritizes productivity over employee well-being.
Murthy’s comments provoked negative reactions, highlights the . Many companies are experimenting with shorter work weeks and flexible schedules, with the aim of increasing productivity without sacrificing workers’ health. In fact, studies suggest that well-rested employees are often more effective and creative.
