Sudha Murty says husband Narayana Murthy ‘has worked 80 to 90 hours a week’
Sudha Murthy, the author and head of Infosys Foundation, has come forward in defense of her husband, Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, following a recent debate sparked by his suggestion of a “70 hours-a-week” work formula for young individuals as a means to enhance India’s overall productivity. In an interview with News18, Sudha Murthy emphasized that Narayana Murthy was merely sharing his personal experience and perspective, rooted in his own extensive work ethic.
Highlighting his relentless dedication to his work, Sudha Murthy underscored that Narayana Murthy himself had been accustomed to working for extended hours, often ranging from 80 to 90 hours per week. This enduring commitment to hard work has evidently shaped his approach to professional life, leading him to impart insights and advice from his own personal journey.
Sudha Murthy further emphasized that her husband firmly believes in the value of passion and genuine dedication to one’s work, emphasizing the transformative power of persistent and earnest efforts. By contextualizing his advice within the framework of his own life experiences, Sudha Murthy aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of Narayana Murthy’s perspective, emphasizing the personal ethos that underpins his approach to work and productivity.
In response to queries regarding her attempts to convey contemporary corporate practices to her husband, Sudha Murthy explained that individuals often have varied ways of expressing their perspectives. Acknowledging the nuances of personal experiences and the impact of one’s own lived journey, she reiterated that Narayana Murthy’s viewpoint was shaped by his own life’s work and the principles he lived by. By emphasizing his dedication to embodying the values he advocates, she highlighted the sincerity and authenticity behind his advice.
Narayana Murthy recently sparked a widespread debate on social media after his appearance on a podcast, during which he suggested that young professionals in India should consider working 70-hour weeks to enhance the country’s overall work productivity. Citing India’s comparatively low productivity levels on the global scale, Murthy stressed the necessity for Indian youth to match the work ethics observed in nations such as Japan and Germany, both of which demonstrated a significant surge in productivity by investing extra hours in work, particularly in the aftermath of World War II.
His comments triggered an intense discourse on the modern work culture and the balance between work efficiency and individual well-being, igniting conversations about the potential implications of prolonged work hours on the workforce’s mental and physical health.
Narayana Murthy, emphasizing the need for a collective commitment to the nation’s progress, urged young individuals to adopt a proactive stance, suggesting that they should be willing to invest 70 hours a week into their work. This call to action aimed to inspire a sense of responsibility and dedication among the youth, encouraging them to prioritize the advancement of their country through their professional endeavors.
However, various experts, including social media professionals, medical practitioners, and business leaders, swiftly responded by highlighting potential health risks associated with prolonged work hours. Concerns were raised about the possible consequences of such demanding work schedules, including heightened risks of cardiac issues, stress-related ailments, and overall deteriorating physical and mental well-being.
Moreover, the implications of extended work hours on the quality of work and its impact on one’s personal life were also brought into focus, underscoring the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both professional success and individual well-being. This dialogue shed light on the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and the importance of implementing sustainable work practices that foster employee well-being and productivity in the long run.
