'Long Work Hours Shouldn't Be Demanded...' Infosys NR Narayana Murthy's Fresh On Work-Life Balance

Infosys Co-Founder NR Narayana Murthy, whose recent comments about working 70-hour weeks sparked debate, emphasised that no one should be forced to put in long hours, though individuals must introspect and understand the need for hard work.

Work-Life Balance and the Need for Introspection

Speaking at the annual 'Kilachand Memorial Lecture' at the Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC) in Mumbai, Murthy said that while he worked over 70 hours a week for nearly 40 years during his tenure at Infosys, it was not something that should be enforced on others. He pointed out that the conversation surrounding work-life balance should not be a matter for public debate but a personal matter for introspection.

“I can say that I used to get to the office at 6:30 AM and leave at 8:30 PM, that's a fact. I have done it for 40-odd years," Murthy said. "Nobody can say that no, that's wrong."

The Impact of Hard Work on Future Generations

Murthy highlighted the broader implications of personal effort, emphasizing that one's decisions to work hard should be motivated by the desire to create a better future, especially for the less fortunate. He pointed to the example of a poor child and argued that the hard work of individuals could directly contribute to societal progress, including through increased productivity and paying more taxes to support public welfare.

“If I work hard, if I work smart, if I produce more revenue, if I pay more taxes, the child can only be better off,” he explained.

Compassionate Capitalism for Societal Prosperity

In his lecture, Murthy also spoke about the importance of compassionate capitalism, which he defined as a business approach that values fairness, transparency, integrity, and accountability. He warned that excessive greed by corporate leaders has eroded public trust in capitalism, creating the perception that free markets disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

He also addressed the extravagant lifestyles of some corporate leaders, noting that as long as no laws are violated, individuals have the right to spend their wealth as they choose. However, he stressed that for capitalism to endure, it must focus on societal welfare, not just personal gain.

Poverty and Corporate Responsibility

Murthy further remarked that despite India’s growing economy, poverty remains a pressing issue, with 60% of Indians still depending on free food grains. He urged corporate leaders to engage in responsible business practices to ensure the future prosperity of the country.

"Compassionate capitalism is about putting the interest of society ahead of one's own,” he concluded, emphasizing that corporations cannot succeed in societies that fail.