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, in the past few days there have been all sorts of discussions in various HR fora analysing it further and deeper. This forum of HR professionals and enthusiasts also needs to dwell on it.
The 48-hour work week and 6 days 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. But in other sectors, particularly the unorganised sector all along and the IT sector now, such norms have lost relevance. This is particularly where the principals or clients are in the US or European countries and the employee is working in an Indian back office. 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 the health, mental well-being, and social cost.
Welcoming the views of the HR experts.
From India, Mumbai
1530Following 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, in the past few days there have been all sorts of discussions in various HR fora analysing it further and deeper. This forum of HR professionals and enthusiasts also needs to dwell on it.
The 48-hour work week and 6 days 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. But in other sectors, particularly the unorganised sector all along and the IT sector now, such norms have lost relevance. This is particularly where the principals or clients are in the US or European countries and the employee is working in an Indian back office. 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 the health, mental well-being, and social cost.
Welcoming the views of the HR experts.
From India, Mumbai
70work hours in a week will not be possible by considering the health aspects of an individual employee.. On urgency some can work 70hrs 48hrs + over time hours as per law but not on regular basis. Should think about the work and life balance. Doing 12 hrs duty and with travel time in addition , an individual cannot engage with day to days with their family. So, it not advisable from my point of view
From India, Madras
From India, Madras
The 70-hour work per week is same as to bell the cat.
The opinion of Shri Narayana Murthy of Infosys is a suggestion, If we need to at par with others then 70 hours of working per week can help to achieve this. At present day every where 12 hours working culture is being followed but can't reach the indicative mile stone.
Because the prevailing Indian climate, Rate and laws would not stand to support 70 hours of working in a week. This can be only possible, If India is ready to bring new employee favorable laws, enhancement in working culture and rate of wages.
Till date there exist no better wages structure for the workmen cover under minimum wages. The workmen working under MW are the real people whose work have brought this country to present height.
All we have seen the misery scene/plight of the workmen during Corona pandemic........................ As on date we have been putting our feet on others shoes or others foot print but had never look on our own markets. We have been eyeing on others bread but never had tried to bake our own bread.
From India, Mumbai
The opinion of Shri Narayana Murthy of Infosys is a suggestion, If we need to at par with others then 70 hours of working per week can help to achieve this. At present day every where 12 hours working culture is being followed but can't reach the indicative mile stone.
Because the prevailing Indian climate, Rate and laws would not stand to support 70 hours of working in a week. This can be only possible, If India is ready to bring new employee favorable laws, enhancement in working culture and rate of wages.
Till date there exist no better wages structure for the workmen cover under minimum wages. The workmen working under MW are the real people whose work have brought this country to present height.
All we have seen the misery scene/plight of the workmen during Corona pandemic........................ As on date we have been putting our feet on others shoes or others foot print but had never look on our own markets. We have been eyeing on others bread but never had tried to bake our own bread.
From India, Mumbai
Hi,
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.
It's crucial to consider the historical context of working hours in different sectors. The Factories Act, 1948, established the norm of a 48-hour work week and 6 days of work in the manufacturing sector. However, in sectors like the unorganised 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.
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.
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
From India, Bangalore
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.
It's crucial to consider the historical context of working hours in different sectors. The Factories Act, 1948, established the norm of a 48-hour work week and 6 days of work in the manufacturing sector. However, in sectors like the unorganised 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.
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.
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
From India, Bangalore
Dear Lluckinn,
Thanks for your postings, the argument in favour of 70 hours a week is okay, but what is the benefit an employee get working extra hours. secondly, producing more components or developing new software is good, but it has to find a place in the market, else it will be burden to the organization, at least for the time being.
Thirdly, you please note that if any country has to prosper corruption has to be wiped out and this thing is growing like cancer. It becomes everybody's responsibility to address this issue from grass root level to high level corruption.
Finally the corporates also has to focus on the well being of its employees is of a paramount importance.
Thanks
From India, Bangalore
Thanks for your postings, the argument in favour of 70 hours a week is okay, but what is the benefit an employee get working extra hours. secondly, producing more components or developing new software is good, but it has to find a place in the market, else it will be burden to the organization, at least for the time being.
Thirdly, you please note that if any country has to prosper corruption has to be wiped out and this thing is growing like cancer. It becomes everybody's responsibility to address this issue from grass root level to high level corruption.
Finally the corporates also has to focus on the well being of its employees is of a paramount importance.
Thanks
From India, Bangalore
It is not the number of hours that count but the efforts that one does in each hour is important. Therefore, the quality of work is important than the quantity. Narayan Moorthy may be talking from the point of view of his old School of Thought. We have seen today several employees sitting late hours just to get the free internet facility of the office or the canteen facilities, but doing their personal works. Just to impress the boss, several such things are going one. At the end of the day, all this is immaterial. We have seen that during Covid Days people have worked from their homes and the companies have made very good profits even in the IT sector. Therefore, I would say that don't count the hours. It is certainly immaterial.
From India, Mumbai
From India, Mumbai
Hi,
I agree with Shweta, there are employees loitering in the office after office hours working on their fitness in the office gym, using canteen/cafteria facility and leaving late in the evening for home and this due to misunderstandings in the family especially amongst the spouse.To put things in the right perspective the family life has to be set right, you can notice in my first post I have covered on work life balance.
Thanks
From India, Bangalore
I agree with Shweta, there are employees loitering in the office after office hours working on their fitness in the office gym, using canteen/cafteria facility and leaving late in the evening for home and this due to misunderstandings in the family especially amongst the spouse.To put things in the right perspective the family life has to be set right, you can notice in my first post I have covered on work life balance.
Thanks
From India, Bangalore
Can't help wondering if Murthy believes in good old fashioned slavery. Seems to me that is what he is advocating.
I'll 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.
From Australia, Melbourne
I'll 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.
From Australia, Melbourne
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