- Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy says the 72-hour work week reflects real hard work, not presence in the office
- WHO warns that more than 55 hours a week increases serious health risks
- Trials in Iceland and Japan prove shorter weeks improve productivity and well-being
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has again called for the return of extended work weeks, this time focusing on schedules similar to the 996 pattern used in parts of China.
Murthy's comments revive a debate that began in 2024 when he argued that Indian employees must work 70 hours a week.
Now Murthy has increased that figure to 72 hours, saying the extended schedule reflects what he considers real hard work, rather than time spent in the office with no real results.
A renewed leap to extreme watches
Murthy linked longer weeks to growth, national progress and innovation, although he has made similar arguments for decades.
“No person, no community, no country has ever done without hard work,” Murthy. “When I say hard work, it doesn't mean going to the office and sleeping there. When I say hard work, it means working hard and working smart.”
Murthy's recent interview confirmed the long-held view that India's five-day workweek is harming economic potential.
The 72-hour schedule was introduced as a requirement for businesses that want rapid improvement and increased productivity.
Murthy's comparison to China is a bit odd, however, since the 996 system was banned in 2021 after lawmakers concluded it violated labor protections and posed a risk of long-term harm.
The World Health Organization has said that hours exceeding 55 hours per week increase the likelihood of serious health problems compared to standard 35-40 hour schedules.
Plenty of other studies have evaluated shorter weeks and have produced results that refute his claims.
A trial of a four-day work week in Iceland showed greater emotional stability, improved well-being and stable or increased productivity. Microsoft Japan also saw significant productivity gains in its own experiment.
These results challenge the assumption that longer work hours consistently lead to improved national or corporate performance.
With distribution Artificial Intelligence ToolsThe tech industry as a whole is showing signs of normalizing over-scheduling, even as burnout becomes more prominent.
However, businesses that rely heavily on productivity tools do not necessarily compensate for the strain of long hours.
Office software may help streamline daily tasks, but does not eliminate the health risks associated with an extended schedule.
Likewise, AI tools can support automation and efficiency, but they cannot replace the need for adequate rest and consistent work hours.
The push to implement AI has increased pressure on businesses, with senior figures such as Sergey Brin citing 60 hours as peak productivity.
However, developers continue to experience increasing fatigue and mental stress.
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