- Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy argues that 72-hour work weeks reflect real hard work, not office presence
- The WHO warns that hours beyond 55 per week increase serious health risks
- Experiments in Iceland and Japan show that shorter weeks improve output and well-being
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has again called for longer work weeks to return, this time emphasizing schedules like the 996 pattern used in parts of China.
Murthy’s comments revive a debate that began in 2024 when he argued that Indian employees should work 70 hours a week.
Murthy has now raised that figure to 72 hours, claiming the extended schedule reflects what he sees as real hard work rather than time spent in the office with no real output.
Renewed push for extreme hours
Murthy linked longer weeks to growth, national progress and innovation, although he has been making similar arguments for decades.
“No individual, no society, no country has ever risen without hard work,” Murthy said. “When I say hard work, not going to the office and sleeping there. When I say hard work, I mean hard and smart work.”
Murthy’s recent interview echoed long-held views that India’s five-day work week is hurting economic potential.
The 72-hour schedule was presented as a requirement for companies seeking rapid improvements and stronger performance.
Murthy’s comparison with China is somewhat bizarre, however, because the 996 system was banned in 2021 after lawmakers concluded it breached labor protections and risked long-term harm.
The World Health Organization has stated that hours exceeding 55 hours per week increase the likelihood of serious health problems compared to standard 35 to 40-hour schedules.
Several other studies have evaluated shorter weeks and produced results that undermine his claims.
Iceland’s four-day work week experiment showed higher emotional stability, improved well-being and stable or increased output, and Microsoft Japan also saw a significant increase in productivity during its own experiment.
These findings challenge the proposition that extended hours consistently result in improved national or corporate performance.
With the proliferation of AI tools, the broader tech industry is showing signs of normalizing excessive schedules, even as burnout becomes more visible.
But companies that rely heavily on productivity tools don’t necessarily offset the strain of long work hours.
Office software can help streamline daily tasks, but it doesn’t eliminate the health risks associated with an extended schedule.
Similarly, AI tools can support automation and efficiency, yet they cannot replace the need for adequate rest and sustainable working hours.
The rush to push AI adoption has increased pressure across businesses, with high-profile figures such as Sergey Brin describing 60 hours as a productivity peak.
However, developers continue to experience increasing levels of exhaustion and mental strain.
Via ITPro
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