India’s Work Hour Conundrum: The Battle Between Hustle and Harmony
The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that nearly 46.7% of workers in Asia and the Pacific worked excessively long hours, with Southern Asia seeing an even higher figure of 57.1%. India, in particular, ranked second only to Bhutan, with over half its workforce clocking more than 49 hours weekly.
It all started with a statement—one that sent shockwaves through India’s corporate corridors. When Narayana Murthy, the revered founder of Infosys, proclaimed that young Indians should dedicate 70 hours a week to work for the nation to compete globally, the business world erupted in fervent debate. “India’s work productivity is among the lowest in the world. Unless we work hard for the next two to three decades, we will not be able to catch up with developed economies,” Murthy insisted.
For some, he was the voice of reason, urging discipline and resilience in the face of global competition. For others, his words were a call back to an era of relentless labour, disregarding the evolving priorities of a new workforce.
Was Murthy, right? Should India embrace a culture of hustle, or was it time to redefine success beyond long hours at a desk? The battle lines were drawn.
The Productivity Imperative: A Hard Truth or a Flawed Assumption?
Among those who sided with Murthy was Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola, who firmly believed that ambition and long hours were the price of success. Looking at global examples, proponents of the long-hour model pointed to China and Japan, where grueling work schedules had historically propelled economic growth.
Yet, the data told a more complex story. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that nearly 46.7% of workers in Asia and the Pacific worked excessively long hours, with Southern Asia seeing an even higher figure of 57.1%. India, in particular, ranked second only to Bhutan, with over half its workforce clocking more than 49 hours weekly.
Would working longer really make India more productive?
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, offered a different take. “Working longer doesn’t necessarily mean working better. We need to redefine productivity in a way that ensures both progress and well-being.” Mahindra’s words echoed a sentiment growing among corporate leaders—the idea that productivity should not be measured by hours at a desk but by innovation and efficiency.
But did the data support this argument?
The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that nearly 46.7% of workers in Asia and the Pacific worked excessively long hours, with Southern Asia witnessing an even steeper figure of 57.1%. India stood second only to Bhutan, with more than half its workforce exceeding 49 hours weekly. However, productivity is not just about time—it is about efficiency.
Studies have repeatedly shown that countries with shorter work hours often exhibit higher per-hour productivity. For example, a 2017 study by Marion Collewet found that as employees worked longer, their productivity per hour diminished. A 2020 Voucher Cloud report revealed that office workers were genuinely productive for only 2 hours and 23 minutes per day. John Pencavel of Stanford University found that productivity per hour declines sharply after a 50-hour workweek, and working beyond 55 hours contributes little to overall output. In other words, beyond a certain threshold, extra hours do not translate to extra results.
The Well-being Argument: When More Becomes Too Much
While some advocated for a work-hard ethos, others warned of the dangers associated with extended work hours. Critics argue that excessively long work hours can lead to burnout, reduced efficiency, and poor mental health. Industry leaders such as Zerodha’s Nithin Kamath and HCLTech’s Roshni Nadar Malhotra have emphasized the need for a sustainable work culture where productivity is measured by outcomes rather than hours spent at the desk. Kamath, in a pointed remark, stated, “If the realisation hasn’t hit you yet, swipe through again,” indicating the need for a shift in workplace culture and expectations.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCLTech, rejected the idea that working long hours necessarily leads to higher productivity. Instead, she emphasized the importance of working smarter to increase output without risking employee burnout.
Azim Premji, founder of Wipro, strongly countered the notion of excessive working hours, advocating for a balanced approach. “Working 70-hour weeks is not a solution; instead, we should focus on creating a culture of efficiency, innovation, and respect for employees’ time. Happy employees are more productive and creative,” he remarked.
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the ILO added another layer to the argument, linking workweeks exceeding 55 hours to a 35% increased risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of heart disease.
Clearly, more hours did not necessarily mean more results—but they did mean greater risks.
A New Workforce, A New Mindset
As corporate leaders debated, the younger generation was already redefining the rules of work. Millennials and Gen Z professionals prioritized mental well-being, flexible work structures, and purpose-driven careers. Social media buzzed with discussions:
- “Will a 70-hour workweek allow time for family, personal growth, or even rest?”
- “Is this the future we really want?”
- “Why work long when we can work smart?”
Adding to these concerns, India ranks 48th in the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2024 by Remote, which evaluates 60 countries based on factors such as statutory leave, minimum wage, healthcare, working hours, and overall happiness. India’s relatively low ranking highlights the growing pressure on employees due to long working hours and limited statutory benefits compared to many developed nations. Countries ranked higher in the index typically offer more generous leave policies and better work-life balance initiatives, which contribute to overall employee well-being.
Was India ready to take a leaf from their book?
The Road Ahead: Finding the Sweet Spot
For decades, presenteeism refers to employees being physically present at work but performing sub-optimally due to various health issues, work-related factors, organizational culture, and individual reasons—has defined corporate India. But as workforce priorities shift, businesses are reconsidering their approach. Industries such as consulting and startups may continue to demand long hours. However, others are already embracing hybrid models that emphasize work-life integration rather than an outdated model of exhaustion-based achievement. A Harvard Business Review study underscores this shift. Companies that prioritize work-life balance experience lower attrition rates, higher job satisfaction, and ultimately, better financial performance. Even major corporations are taking note. Microsoft Japan experimented with a four-day workweek and saw a 40% spike in productivity. Could this be the future of work?
As India grapples with this conundrum, one thing is clear: the country’s relationship with work is evolving.
Will India adopt Murthy’s call for a 70-hour grind, or will it pave the way for a smarter, more balanced future?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—this debate is far from over. For further insights into the evolving workplace paradigm, visit
Dr. Aastha Tripathi, is an Assistant Professor-OB/HRM (Organizational Behaviour/Human Resource Management) Area at the School of Management and Labour Studies, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
- India’s Work Hour Conundrum: The Battle Between Hustle and Harmony - March 28, 2025
