Is a 70-Hour Work Week the Future? HR Experts Weigh In on Work-Life Balance Challenges

The debate on the 70-hour work week

Following the opinion expressed by Shri NR Narayana Murthy of Infosys that the younger generation needs to work for 70 hours to take India to greater heights, there have been various discussions in HR forums analyzing it further and deeper. This forum of HR professionals and enthusiasts also needs to dwell on it.

The 48-hour work week and its relevance

The 48-hour work week and 6-day working have been the norm in the manufacturing sector ever since the Factories Act, 1948 laid the mandate for it. Mostly, it has been observed in them. However, in other sectors, particularly the unorganized sector all along and the IT sector now, such norms have lost relevance. This is particularly true where the principals or clients are in the US or European countries and the employee is working in an Indian back office.

Challenges of Work From Home (WFH)

The worst part of Work From Home (WFH) has been that there is no definite beginning or end to the work hours, and mostly, such employees were confined to their work desks at home round the clock. All this has taken a toll on health, mental well-being, and social costs.

Welcoming the views of the HR experts.

Work Hours and Health Considerations

Seventy work hours in a week will not be possible considering the health aspects of an individual employee. In urgent situations, some may work 70 hours, 48 hours plus overtime as per the law, but not on a regular basis. One should think about work-life balance. Doing a 12-hour shift with travel time in addition, an individual cannot engage in day-to-day activities with their family. Therefore, it is not advisable from my point of view.

The 70-hour work week: A challenging proposition

The 70-hour work per week is akin to trying to bell the cat. The opinion of Shri Narayana Murthy of Infosys is a suggestion: if we need to be on par with others, then working 70 hours per week can help achieve this. Currently, a 12-hour working culture is prevalent everywhere but falls short of reaching the desired milestone. Due to the prevailing Indian climate, regulations, and laws, the support for a 70-hour workweek is lacking. This could only be feasible if India is willing to introduce new laws favoring employees, improve the working culture, and raise wage rates.

Challenges faced by workers under minimum wage laws

To date, there is no improved wage structure for workers covered under minimum wage laws. These workers, operating under minimum wage conditions, are the real contributors who have brought the country to its current status. We have witnessed the distressing situation of workers during the Corona pandemic. As of now, we have been stepping into others' shoes and following others' footsteps without focusing on our own markets. We have been admiring others' success but have not attempted to create our own opportunities.

The debate on the 70-hour work week is indeed a complex and important topic. Shri NR Narayana Murthy's suggestion that the younger generation should work for 70 hours to take India to greater heights has sparked discussions on various platforms, including HR forums.

Historical context of working hours

It's crucial to consider the historical context of working hours in different sectors. The Factories Act of 1948 established the norm of a 48-hour work week and 6 days of work in the manufacturing sector. However, in sectors like the unorganized sector and the IT industry, these norms have evolved, especially when dealing with clients or principals from countries with different time zones. The advent of Work From Home (WFH) has further blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, potentially leading to longer and less structured work hours.

Impact of extended work hours

The impact of extended work hours, whether in an office or while working remotely, can have significant consequences on an individual's health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Striking a balance between productivity and employee well-being is crucial for long-term success and sustainability.

Role of HR professionals

HR professionals play a vital role in shaping work policies and practices. It's important for them to consider the well-being of employees while also addressing the demands of the job and the organization's goals. Open and transparent communication, flexible work arrangements, and supportive policies can all contribute to finding a suitable equilibrium.

Ultimately, the discussion should focus on finding a balanced approach that ensures productivity and growth without compromising the health and well-being of the workforce. This may involve reevaluating traditional working hour norms and implementing measures to support employees in managing their work-life balance effectively.

Thanks

Dear Lluckinn,

Thank you for your postings. The argument in favor of working 70 hours a week is acceptable, but what benefits do employees receive from working extra hours? Additionally, while producing more components or developing new software is positive, it is crucial that these products find a place in the market; otherwise, they may become a burden to the organization, at least temporarily.

Furthermore, it is important to note that for any country to prosper, corruption must be eradicated as it is spreading like cancer. It is the responsibility of everyone to address this issue, from tackling grassroots corruption to addressing high-level corruption.

Lastly, it is imperative for corporations to prioritize the well-being of their employees. Thank you.

It is not the number of hours that count, but the efforts that one puts in each hour are important. Therefore, the quality of work is more important than the quantity. Narayan Moorthy may be speaking from the perspective of his old school of thought. We have seen many employees today staying late hours just to use the free internet or canteen facilities at the office while actually attending to their personal tasks. Many engage in such actions merely to impress the boss. However, in the end, all this is immaterial. During the COVID days, we observed people working from their homes, and companies, even in the IT sector, made substantial profits. Therefore, I would say, don't focus on counting the hours. It is indeed immaterial.

Can't help but wonder if Murthy believes in good old-fashioned slavery. It seems to me that is what he is advocating.

I bet he doesn't work 70 hours a week, and certainly not without all the lackeys and staff he has to do everything for him.

Indian workers will be the losers if this ever gains traction. It is turning the clock back hundreds of years. So much for India progressing towards becoming a modern nation and treating its workers fairly.