India needs more work and less rest! Narayana Murthy calls work-life balance a ‘waste of time’

During the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy once again expressed his frank opinion regarding work-life balance. Murthy clearly said that he does not believe in work-life balance. He said, “In a developing country like India, the concept of work-life balance is an obstacle in the way of our development. If we want to compete with the world we have to work hard.” Narayana Murthy says that for India to progress faster, employees should work more hours a week. Citing the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, “When the Prime Minister can work 100 hours every week, then other people should also come forward and work hard. This is not the time to rest, but to dedicate to our country.”

Narayana Murthy’s frank opinion about work culture

Murthy said that a poor and developing country like India should focus on hard work more than work-life balance to overcome the challenges. Citing the discussion he had with KV Kamat, Chairman of Jio Financial Services, he said that Kamat had also said that India should give its priority to work instead of work-life balance. Murthy said, “I regret that in 1986, we had adopted a 5-day working week instead of 6-day working week. This decision was disappointing for me. “I still feel that we should return to the 6-day working system.”

‘India needs hard work for development’

Murthy believes that instead of rest, only sacrifice and hard work can take India forward. He said, “Even if you are smart, you have to work hard to succeed. If India has to make its place on the global platform, we will have to work hard without stopping.” He told that during his working days he used to work 14 hours a day and six and a half days a week. Murthy said, “I used to reach office at 6:30 in the morning and return home at 8:30 at night. This was my daily routine.”

Indians advised to work 70 hours a week

Earlier, Murthy had said that Indians should work at least 70 hours a week. After his statement, a debate broke out on social media regarding work-life balance. Many people criticized Murthy’s advice, while some people seemed to agree with his views. Making his point clear, Murthy said that this is not the time for rest, but to work for the development of the country. “If we relax, other countries will overtake us,” he said. So India needs to work more.”

Mixed reaction on social media on Narayana Murthy’s views

Murthy’s statement regarding work-life balance received mixed reactions from people on social media. Some people described Murthy’s ideas as practical and said that it is necessary for the development of the country. At the same time, some people called it a statement that creates additional pressure on the employees. However, Murthy is firm on his views and says that he will not change his opinion till his death. He believes that to reach the level of developed countries, India will have to give priority to hard work instead of rest.