Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week advice sparks debate

Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, recently suggested that young Indians should work 70-hour weeks to improve productivity. This statement has led to a heated debate on work culture and burnout. In a podcast hosted by actor R. Madhavan, Dr. Sid Warrier provided insight into this discussion. He highlighted that the stress of work matters more than the number of hours worked. Dr. Warrier explained that a person's perception of their work greatly influences their experience. For Murthy, running Infosys is a passion, making endless hours feel rewarding. However, an employee might find the same hours stressful if they don’t feel the same connection to their job. This difference between passion-driven work and obligation-driven work creates a divide between thriving entrepreneurs and exhausted employees. The conversation pointed out that stress can lead to significant health issues. When people are forced to work long hours without meaning, their bodies enter a state of stress. On the other hand, those who love their work can often go longer without feeling drained. Dr. Warrier emphasized that the core issue is not simply about working more, but about managing stress levels. Murthy's remarks come amidst concerns about India's productivity compared to global standards. Some believe his suggestions could inspire change, while critics argue that advocating for longer hours overlooks important issues like mental health and work-life balance. As discussions continue, Dr. Warrier believes it's crucial to focus on finding fulfillment in work rather than just increasing hours. Ultimately, the focus should be on how employees feel about their work rather than the number of hours they put in.