The recommendation from Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy for young IT professionals to work 70 hours per week has sparked considerable controversy. In response, Ashneer Grover, co-founder of BharatPe, has offered his insights on the matter, highlighting that the public's dismay may stem from the continued evaluation of work based on "hours" rather than "outcomes."
Grover expressed his viewpoint on the subject, stating, "The junta got offended here because work is still being measured in ‘hours' rather than ‘outcome.' The other thing is people feeling as if youngsters' laziness is the only thing keeping India from becoming developed. Funny - getting offended unites us more than cricket, religion, caste, or language," in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Junta got offended here because work is still being measured in ‘hours' than ‘outcome'. The other thing is people feeling as if youngster's laziness is only thing keeping India from becoming developed.
Funny - getting offended unites us more than cricket, religion, https://t.co/hAai4UOgwU — Ashneer Grover (@Ashneer_Grover) October 27, 2023
This perspective drew responses from social media users, who elaborated on their concerns regarding the 70-hour workweek proposal. One user mentioned, "Junta is offended because slowly they will start normalizing working 16-hour shifts also."
Junta is offended because slowly they will start normalizing working 16-hour shifts also???? — FIN TRACKER???? (@SlayerSystem) October 27, 2023
Another response highlighted the divergence in perspectives between business owners and employees, stating, "There will always be a difference between the owner's and employees' thinking. The owner will be looking for 24 hours a day, and employees will be looking for 8 hours a day. Since both individuals have varying income levels."
There will always be a difference between the owner's and employees' thinking. The owner will be looking for 24 hours a day and employees will be looking for 8 hours a day. Since both individuals have varying income levels. — Chandra Vijay Singh (C V SINGH) (@Cvsinghfrnds) October 27, 2023
Narayana Murthy had advocated for a 70-hour workweek during a podcast conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai. He emphasized that India's work productivity lags global standards and urged the country's youth to commit to longer work hours, drawing parallels to the post-World War II efforts of Japan and Germany. He also attributed some of the productivity challenges to issues like government corruption and bureaucratic delays.
In response to Mr. Murthy's suggestion, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal expressed his support on X, stating, "Totally agree with Mr. Murthy's views. It is not our moment to work less and entertain ourselves. It is our moment to go all in and build in 1 generation what other countries have built over many generations!"
Totally agree with Mr. Murthy's views. It is not our moment to work less and entertain ourselves. It is our moment to go all in and build in 1 generation what other countries have built over many generations! https://t.co/KsXQbjAhSM — Bhavish Aggarwal (@bhash) October 26, 2023
JSW Chairman Sajjan Jindal also endorsed Mr. Murthy's statement, emphasizing, "I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Narayana Murthy's statement. It is not about burnout; it is about dedication. We have to make India an economic superpower that we can all be proud of."
