- Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy says 72-hour workweeks reflect really hard work, not office presence
- WHO warns that more than 55 hours a week increases serious health risks
- Trials in Iceland and Japan show that shorter weeks improve production and well-being
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has again called for a return to longer work weeks, this time with an emphasis on schedules like the 996 pattern used in some parts of China.
Murthy’s comments revive a debate that began in 2024, when he argued that Indian employees should work 70 hours a week.
Murthy has now increased that figure to 72 hours, stating that the extended schedule reflects what he sees as genuine hard work rather than time spent in the office without real performance.
Renewed momentum for extreme hours
Murthy linked the longer weeks to growth, national progress and innovation, although he has made similar arguments for decades.
“No individual, no community, no country has emerged without hard work,” Murthy He said. “When I say hard work, I don’t go to the office and sleep there. When I say hard work, I mean hard and smart work.”
Murthy’s recent interview reiterated long-held views that India’s five-day work week hurts economic potential.
The 72-hour schedule was introduced as a requirement for companies that want rapid improvement and stronger performance.
Murthy’s comparison to China is somewhat strange, however, because the 996 system was banned in 2021 after lawmakers concluded it violated labor protections and risked long-term harm.
The World Health Organization has stated that working more than 55 hours per week increases the likelihood of serious health problems compared to standard 35- to 40-hour schedules.
Many other studies have evaluated shorter weeks and produced results that undermine their claims.
The trial of a four-day work week in Iceland showed greater emotional stability, better well-being, and stable or increased production, and Microsoft Japan also saw a significant increase in productivity during its own experiment.
These findings challenge the suggestion that extended hours consistently result in better national or corporate performance.
With the proliferation of artificial intelligence tools, the tech industry as a whole is showing signs of normalizing excessive hours, even as burnout becomes more visible.
However, businesses that rely heavily on productivity tools don’t necessarily offset the strain of long work hours.
Office software can help streamline daily tasks, but it doesn’t eliminate the health risks associated with extended hours.
Similarly, AI tools can support automation and efficiency, but they cannot replace the need for adequate rest and sustainable work schedules.
The rush to drive AI adoption has intensified pressure on businesses, with high-profile figures such as Sergey Brin describing 60 hours as a productivity peak.
However, developers continue to experience increasing levels of burnout and mental strain.
Via ITPro
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