Narayana Murthy Clarifies ‘70-Hour Workweek’ Remark: Says It Shouldn’t Be Enforced

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy on Monday clarified his stance on the 70-hour workweek debate, emphasizing that such choices should not be imposed on individuals.

Murthy’s remarks last year, suggesting that people should work 70 hours a week, sparked widespread discussion on social media, prompting several industry leaders to weigh in. Addressing the ongoing debate during the Kilachand Memorial Lecture in Mumbai, he stated, “Nobody can say you should do this or you should not do this.”

Reflecting on his own experience while building Infosys—now India’s second-largest IT firm—Murthy shared details of his work routine. “I used to reach the office at 6:20 am and leave at 8:30 pm. I’ve done it for over 40 years. That’s a fact. Nobody can say that’s wrong,” he said, highlighting his dedication during Infosys’ early days.

Further elaborating, Murthy reiterated that work-hour preferences are a personal choice and should not be a matter of public debate. “These are not issues that should be discussed and debated. One should introspect, reflect, and decide what works best for them,” he stated, according to media reports.

Work-Life Balance Debate

Murthy’s comments reignited the global conversation on work-life balance, with several business leaders sharing their perspectives. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan even suggested a 90-hour workweek, triggering backlash on social media.

“I regret that I cannot make you work on Sundays. If I could, I’d be happier, because I work on Sundays,” Subrahmanyan said, advocating for a more demanding work culture.

Meanwhile, billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani stressed the importance of respecting individual choices. “Your work-life balance should not be imposed on me, nor should mine be imposed on you,” he remarked.

The debate has sparked strong opinions online, with some supporting a rigorous work ethic for sustained growth, while others advocate for balancing professional and personal life.