Narayana Murthy emphasises productivity in "70-hour" work week
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Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy has provided clarification regarding his earlier advice advocating a 70-hour work week, emphasising that the key is to be "very productive."
The 77-year-old entrepreneur sparked a significant debate in October last year when he suggested a shift in India's work culture, urging youngsters to be prepared for a 70-hour work week.
In an interview with India Today, Murthy reiterated his stance, stating, "I used to work 85-90 hours a week till I retired."
He highlighted that his viewpoint is rooted in the responsibility he believes individuals in India bear, having received benefits from the country's taxpayers. Murthy stressed, "Those of us in India who have received so much benefit... have an enormous responsibility to work very hard to bring a chance for the betterment of life of the poorer sections of society. Therefore, I don't regret it."
The Infosys co-founder clarified that he does not consider hours as the crucial factor. Instead, he emphasised the need to be "very productive" and work diligently to improve the quality of life for the less privileged. Murthy drew parallels with the post-World War I work ethic of countries like Germany and Japan, emphasising the importance of contributing to societal betterment.
His initial comments were made on former Infosys CEO Mohandas Pai's podcast 'The Record,' where he discussed various topics, including nation-building, technology, and the future of Infosys.
Addressing the backlash and debate his statement triggered on social media, Murthy defended his perspective, noting that many "good people" and "NRIs" (Non-Resident Indians) agreed with his viewpoint. When questioned about his vision for the next 10 to 15 years, Murthy highlighted the imperative to enhance productivity in India and address government delays.
The co-founder's advocacy for a rigorous work ethic stirred diverse opinions, with both support and criticism emerging on social media platforms. However, Murthy remains steadfast in his belief that productivity and hard work are essential elements in contributing to societal improvement.