Should We Work 70+ Hours a Week? Insights into the Infosys Co-Founder’s Comments

On November 29, 2025, the tech world was abuzz with a provocative remark from one of the industry’s foremost names: Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. In a statement that reignited the global debate on work-life balance, Murthy expressed his belief that employees—especially in India—should consider working beyond the conventional 70-hour week to help drive economic growth.

Opinions on Murthy’s stance have been sharply divided, with supporters charitably framing it as a call to unyielding determination, while critics warn of its potentially harmful implications. In this blog post, we’ll analyze the broader implications of Murthy’s statement, examine the data around extended work hours, and explore where the balance between ambition and sustainability should lie in today’s evolving workforce.

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The Context Behind Murthy’s Comments

Murthy’s belief that workers should adopt weeks exceeding 70 hours is not entirely new. His comments align with an ethos of hard work widespread in certain parts of the corporate and tech world, particularly in fast-developing markets. His argument revolves around the idea that extended hours will help India, and by extension its workers, compete on the global stage by boosting productivity and economic development.

The subtext here is clear: markets such as China, the United States, and parts of Europe have already developed formidable technological and industrial bases. Murthy is calling on Indian workers to “close the gap” by doing more. Yet this proposal raises an important question: is working harder synonymous with working smarter? And at what point does working harder lead to diminishing emotional, physical, and economic returns?

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What Does Science Say About 70+ Hour Workweeks?

There is no dearth of research on the effects of long work hours. Many studies across global industries highlight the risks associated with extreme levels of work, whether it’s 70 hours or the “996” system (working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week) that was recently criticized in China. Here are some key findings:

• Burnout and Mental Health Decline

– Long work hours without adequate recovery time significantly increase the risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression. People are left physically exhausted and mentally drained, reducing their capacity to operate at their peak.

• Decreasing Productivity Over Time

– Many studies suggest that productivity diminishes once employees cross the 40-50 hour threshold. The marginal gains of working more appear to be outweighed by errors, inefficiencies, and fatigue.

• Physical Health Risks

– Workers engaged in prolonged overwork have been found to have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes. Needless to say, these are serious consequences that can shorten life expectancy.

• Creativity Suffers

– The tech and corporate landscape rely heavily on innovative problem-solving. Mental fatigue caused by excessive work hours inhibits creativity, making it harder to solve complex challenges.

The evidence suggests that more work hours do not necessarily equate to higher output. In fact, pushing workers to an unsustainable point could risk systemic inefficiencies across industries.

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The Global Perspective: Cultural and Economic Factors

While Murthy’s statement has created controversy, it also opens a window for discussion about cultural perspectives on work. Here’s how the 70+ hour workweek concept compares globally:

• In China, the pushback against the infamous “996” work culture culminated in legal reforms. The Chinese government officially declared such practices illegal after recognizing the mental and physical toll on workers.

• In the United States and Western Europe, the trend has been shifting toward prioritizing work-life balance. Companies are experimenting with four-day workweeks to boost employee morale and productivity, advocating that quality of work is more important than sheer quantity.

• In India, where Murthy’s comments are most directly relevant, the economic landscape is unique. A younger, fast-growing population of workers is helping IT and tech sectors grow rapidly. However, long-standing socio-economic challenges like income inequality, an overburdened healthcare system, and insufficient labor protections make extended working hours a questionable solution.

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Why Murthy’s Call Feels Outdated in a Modern Context

Murthy’s vision may have been innovative several decades ago when economies relied more heavily on labor-intensive progress. However, in today’s world of automation, artificial intelligence, and people-focused productivity frameworks, long hours feel increasingly counterproductive. Here’s why:

• Technology Supersedes Human Effort

– With advancements in areas like machine learning and process automation, human workers should aim to work more strategically, rather than simply working more. The real emphasis should shift toward reskilling the workforce rather than stretching their limits.

• Healthier Work Cultures Are Competitive Advantages

– Companies fostering healthier, sustainable work practices see more employee retention, innovation, and lower absenteeism. Global corporations like Microsoft and Google invest heavily in offering benefits and flexibility, making them magnets for top talent.

• Work-Life Integration Improves Creativity

– Research confirms that workers allowed to enjoy meaningful downtime return to their tasks more creative, innovative, and focused. This is especially relevant for tech companies where problem-solving drives success.

• The Rise of “Quiet Quitting”

– In recent years, job satisfaction trends like “quiet quitting”—where employees strictly meet their job responsibilities instead of going above and beyond—have gained traction as a response to burnout.

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Sustainable Productivity: A Path Forward for India and the Global Workforce

India’s workforce is a vibrant and dynamic contributor to the global economy, but pushing for longer hours is not the silver bullet for competitiveness. Instead, companies and policymakers should focus on raising productivity and employee satisfaction through these strategies:

• Investing in Employee Training: Constant upskilling helps employees meet the demands of tomorrow’s workplace without a need for grinding hours.

• Promoting Flexibility: This can include hybrid or remote setups to reduce commuting stress and allow employees better control over their personal and professional lives.

• Healthcare and Wellness Programs: Supporting health at work can mitigate the risks of burnout and improve morale.

• Cultural Shifts: A national ethos of efficient, high-quality work rather than sheer volume could redefine India’s identity in the global market.

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Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Murthy’s Suggestion

Narayana Murthy’s push for 70+ hour weekly work schedules represents an old-school philosophy that sees hardship as a necessary precursor to success. While his contributions to the Indian tech sector are unparalleled, his suggestion to extend working hours risks undermining health, productivity, and creativity. The global evidence overwhelming suggests that sustainable, balanced work cultures are more effective for long-term growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Extended work hours beyond 70 per week are linked to burnout, reduced productivity, and significant health risks.

• Global trends in developed nations are prioritizing employee well-being through initiatives like the four-day workweek and more balanced schedules.

• Rather than advocating for longer hours, economies like India could benefit by focusing on reskilling workers, technological advancement, and fostering productive work environments.

• The conversation spurred by Murthy’s comment is an opportunity to evaluate what really drives success: quality of work over volume.

As discussions around workplace habits continue to evolve, the question shouldn’t be how many hours we work, but instead how effectively we leverage human potential in harmony with progress and well-being. Workers thrive when efforts are valued, not exhausted—and so does the economy.