Infosys co-founder once again claims 70-hour workweeks exist
- Narayana Murthy believes 70-hour work weeks are essential for economic growth
- Murthy says more productivity can generate taxpayer dollars and tackle poverty
- His idea was inspired by capitalism in the 1970s and the time in Paris
Narayana Murthy, co-founder and CEO of Indian tech giant Infosys, has sparked controversy again after speaking out in favor of a 70-hour work week.
Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary celebrations in Calcutta last weekend, Murthy said longer working hours are essential to tackle widespread poverty and promote economic growth in India.
This is not the first time Murthy has advocated extra long working hours, having previously stated that extra work could lift millions of people out of poverty.
Narayana Murthy is still in favor of long working hours
The billionaire and father of former British Prime Minister’s wife Akshata Murty first made the suggestion in October 2023 before repeating it in January 2024. He indicated that two-day weekends are not productive, adding that India’s 800 million citizens living in poverty depend on the country’s entrepreneurs to create jobs and improve the country’s economy.
Speaking about his experiences abroad, particularly while working in Paris in the 1970s, Murthy explained the logic behind his attitude towards extreme work: “I realized that the only way a country can fight poverty is through jobs that lead to disposable incomes.”
He added: “If a country embraces capitalism, it will create good roads, good trains and good infrastructure… It practices capitalism and combines it with the best aspects of liberalism and socialism so that this country remains a shining example of capitalism can be. ”
In his speech, Murthy also highlighted the productivity gap in India, citing reports that Chinese workers are 3.5 times more productive than their Indian counterparts.
However, countries like France to which Murthy compared India in the 1970s are now struggling with worker fatigue, burnout and subsequent decline in productivity, suggesting that a 70-hour workweek could not only be detrimental to the economy and the growth of the country, but also for the economy and the growth of the country. also for the work-life balance of employees and their health.