Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy Reiterates Support for 70-Hour Workweek at CNBC Leadership Summit
Infosys Co-founder Narayana Murthy Reiterates Support for 70-Hour Workweek at CNBC Leadership Summit
NR Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, reaffirmed his conviction regarding the importance of hard work during the CNBC Global Leadership Summit. He stood by his well-known recommendation of a 70-hour workweek, stressing that India’s development hinges on commitment. He pointed to Prime Minister Modi’s 100-hour workweeks and the post-World War II recovery efforts of Germany and Japan as key illustrations of this principle.
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy expressed his disappointment regarding India’s transition from a six-day workweek to a five-day workweek in 1986.
“I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave,” says Mr. Murthy about his controversial remarks on 70 hours work week. Mr Murthy was speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit.
He took the example of Mr. Modi and his popular 100 hours work/week. Mr. Murthy offered a recommendation to PM Modi aimed at enhancing the delivery of public services. He suggested that the government explore the option of recruiting more managers with formal training instead of relying solely on administrators chosen through the existing civil services examination process. Upon selection, the candidate will be transported to Mussoorie, the site of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, for specialized training. This program will focus on sectors such as agriculture, defense, or manufacturing, marking a shift from the traditional approach of developing general administrators, he stated.
The seasoned entrepreneur expressed his “disappointment” regarding India’s transition from a six-day workweek to a five-day workweek in 1986. Mr. Murthy emphasized that for India to progress, it necessitates sacrifice rather than leisure.
He cited the cases of post-World War II Germany and Japan, recommending that India adopt a comparable approach of diligence and national reconstruction. “This is how they managed to restore their nations,” Mr. Murthy emphasized.
Mr. Murthy provided a glimpse into his work ethic, disclosing that for a significant portion of his career, he adhered to a rigorous routine of 14-hour workdays, six and a half days each week. He typically arrived at the office by 6:30 am and departed around 8:40 pm.
“About 25 years ago, KV Kamath at an event was asked about his opinion on work-life balance. He said that India is a poor country with a lot of challenges. We first have to get a life, then we can worry about work-life balance,” says Murthy.
