Infosys cofounder and former chief Narayana Murthy recently caused a debate online by urging young people to be ready to work 70 hours a week. His comments were made during a conversation with Mohandas Pai, a veteran investor and former CFO of Infosys on the first episode of the investment firm 3one4 Capital’s podcast ‘The Record.’
Lessons from Germany and Japan
Murthy drew comparisons to post-war Germany and Japan where citizens worked extra hours to rebuild their nations. He argued that India's work culture needs to transform into one that is highly disciplined, determined and hardworking. Murthy emphasized that young people should lead this change.
Divided Reactions Online
As soon as the podcast was uploaded to YouTube, it sparked mixed reactions. Some supported Murthy's call for a 70-hour workweek such as JSW Group chairman Sajjan Jindal, who stated that a five-day workweek is unsuitable for a developing country like India.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Ola co-founder Bhavish Aggarwal echoed Murthy’s views on Twitter by saying, “Totally agree with Mr Murthy’s views. It’s not our moment to work less and entertain ourselves. Rather it’s our moment to go all in and build in one generation what other countries have built over many generations!”
A Nuanced Perspective
Ashneer Grover, former managing director and co-founder of BharatPe offered a more nuanced opinion. He noted that Murthy’s comments offended people because work is still often measured in hours rather than outcomes. Grover added that people felt as if the only thing preventing India from becoming developed was the perceived laziness of its youth. “Funny – getting offended unites us more than cricket, religion, caste or language,” he remarked.
Bhavish Aggarwal Aligns with Murthy's Vision
Bhavish Aggarwal, the founder and CEO of Ola has openly recognised the recommendation made by Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy by advocating for a 70-hour workweek for young professionals. This support was conveyed during an interview where Aggarwal discussed the rationale behind Murthy's suggestion and the broader implications for young workers today.
Reflecting on Murthy’s Return to Infosys
During the interview, Aggarwal was asked about Murthy's recommendation and his decision to return as Executive Chairman of Infosys in 2013 after having retired in 2011. Aggarwal noted that Murthy's return was needed by the company's condition at that time, indicating that significant challenges required his leadership.
A Shared Commitment to Hard Work
Aggarwal expressed his agreement with Murthy's direction by emphasizing his belief in the importance of hard work and dedication. "I should do more," Aggarwal stated, aligning himself with Murthy’s advice. He highlighted that Murthy's return to Infosys was crucial for its turnaround which was suggesting that his leadership and efforts were instrumental in stabilizing the company.
Contributions from Veteran Leaders
Aggarwal also pointed out that Murthy was not the only veteran to return and make a significant impact. He mentioned Nandan Nilekani the other co-founder of Infosys who returned to a non-executive chairman role to further support the company. This return of experienced leaders emphasizes the value of their contributions in steering the company through challenging times. Bhavish Aggarwal's support for Narayana Murthy's 70-hour workweek advice reflects a shared belief in the power of hard work and dedication among young professionals. Both Murthy's and Nilekani's returns to Infosys demonstrate how seasoned leadership can make a substantial difference in a company's trajectory. Aggarwal's alignment with this vision emphasizes his commitment to these principles in his leadership at Ola.
Nandan Nilekani's Role at Infosys and Beyond
Nandan Nilekani, an essential figure in India's tech landscape is best known as the co-founder and non-executive Chairman of the Board of Infosys. He is also recognized for his instrumental role in launching Aadhaar, the world's largest biometric ID system.
The Return to Infosys
Reflecting on Nilekani's influence, it's clear that his return to Infosys marked a significant revival for the company. His enduring connection to Infosys is compared to a parental bond, emphasizing a deep, ongoing commitment to the organization he helped build.
Entrepreneurial Insights from Ola's CEO
In a discussion about his approach to new ventures, the CEO of Ola shared that he is still early in his career with plenty of time ahead to achieve his goals. He highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit, noting that true entrepreneurs never fully detach from their businesses. They may delegate day-to-day operations to professional managers but they remain emotionally and strategically engaged with their ventures.
Murthy's Controversial Suggestion
A major topic of debate sparked by N.R. Narayana Murthy, another Infosys co-founder, revolves around India's work culture. In October of the previous year, Murthy suggested that young professionals in India should be prepared to work 70 hours a week, a proposal that has generated considerable discussion and differing opinions.
Is It Feasible in Current Times?
Experts suggest that achieving the perfect work-life balance is a continuous effort. The solution lies in creating a work environment that is flexible and adaptable by accommodating individual needs and circumstances.
The Youth's Perspective
Amit Chincholikar, the Global Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Yokohama Off-Highway Tires observes that today's youth are motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact and promote sustainable change. However, they also place a high value on balance, viewing work as just one part of their lives rather than the entirety of it. He emphasizes that it's not necessary or beneficial to strictly adhere to a set number of working hours.
Focus on Outcomes, Not Hours
Chincholikar advocates for prioritizing meaningful outcomes over merely tracking time. He suggests that leveraging technology and working intelligently is a more sustainable approach.
Workplace Excellence and Innovation
Ankur Sharma, CHRO at Aye Finance adds that excellence in today's workplaces is characterized by creativity, innovation, and operational efficiency. He notes that modern, highly competitive workplaces thrive when agile teams collaborate intensively to achieve ambitious goals that too all without compromising their granted freedom.
Results Over Rigid Schedules
Sharma argues that the number of hours worked and the location of work are becoming less relevant. What matters more is that everyone meets their Key Result Areas (KRAs) and contributes positively to the organization's goals. While the ideal work-life balance may be indefinable, a flexible and outcome-focused approach can help foster a more sustainable and productive work environment in today's times.
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