Infosys Co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy Sparks Work-Life Balance Debate
India has been discussing work-life balance for many years. Many employees
face long working hours, late-night calls, weekend emails, and constant pressure
to be available, even outside office hours. These routines are common in many
workplaces and make it hard for workers to rest and enjoy personal time.
Many people feel exhausted and say there is little room to disconnect from work.
Every time the conversation about work-life balance starts to slow down, a
familiar voice brings it back into focus. Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana
Murthy has done this several times. His views on discipline, hard work, and
long working hours often generate reactions because they closely reflect what
many young professionals experience every day.
Recently, Murthy made another comment that renewed the debate. In an
interview with Republic TV, he referred to a common work culture in China
called “9-9-6.” He explained, “There is a saying in China, 9, 9, 6. You know
what it means? And that is a 72-hour work week.” He added that young Indians
should follow a similar routine to achieve success.
Murthy’s remarks triggered an immediate response. Many workers said that his
suggestion does not match the reality in India. On social media platforms
like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, people highlighted challenges such as
long daily commutes, rising living expenses, uneven salaries, and the increasing
culture of after-hours communication. They argued that asking employees to work
even longer hours will not fix a system that already pushes them to their limits.
Experts say that instead of extending work hours, companies should focus on
creating a healthy work environment, giving employees flexibility, and
respecting personal time. Studies have shown that overworking can lead
to burnout, stress, and reduced productivity, which ultimately harms both
employees and