Murthy Urges Indians to Adopt China’s 72-Hour Workweek Model

Introduction

Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy has reignited national debate after urging India’s workforce to consider adopting a 72-hour workweek, drawing comparisons to China’s fast-paced industrial rise. Murthy’s remarks have sparked intense discussions across industries, labor groups, and policy circles—raising questions about productivity, work culture, economic competitiveness, mental health, and the future of India’s young workforce.

While the proposal has been applauded by some as a bold call toward nation-building, others argue it is unrealistic, outdated, and disconnected from modern workplace expectations.

Murthy’s Argument for a 72-Hour Workweek

Learning From China’s Economic Model

According to Murthy, India needs a disciplined and productivity-driven work culture to accelerate its economic development.

He referenced China’s rapid growth, attributing part of its industrial and technological rise to long working hours, high-output labor systems, and strong workforce dedication.

Key Points Behind His Suggestion

• India must compete with global economic powers.

• Productivity and output per employee remain lower than in major economies.

• Long, intense work periods could speed up infrastructure development.

• Young professionals must “put the nation first” during these crucial decades.

Murthy believes that to match China’s scale, India must adopt similar work ethics—suggesting that a 70+ hour work regimen could help bridge the gap.

Supporters’ Perspective

A Vision for Accelerated Growth

Some corporate leaders and entrepreneurs agree with Murthy, arguing that India’s demographic advantage can be fully realized only through hard work and long-term commitment.

Arguments in Favor

• Boosting national productivity: Longer hours could temporarily accelerate workforce output.

• Rapid industrial expansion: Sectors like manufacturing, tech, and R&D could scale faster.

• Global competitiveness: India could move closer to being a global economic leader.

• Start-up mindset: Many entrepreneurs argue that early success requires extreme dedication.

Supporters claim that China’s rise, South Korea’s post-war growth, and Japan’s industrial boom all came during periods of intense labor commitment.

Criticism and Opposition

A Model That May Not Fit Modern India

Murthy’s comments have drawn strong criticism from employees, unions, mental health experts, and HR leaders.

Major Concerns Raised

• Work-life imbalance: 72-hour workweeks leave little room for family, rest, or personal life.

• Burnout risk: Overworked employees face exhaustion, reduced creativity, and declining productivity.

• Mental health impact: India already faces high levels of stress, anxiety, and workplace pressure.

• Mismatch with modern work culture: Global companies are shifting toward flexibility, not overload.

• Unrealistic for blue-collar workers: Physical labor cannot sustain extreme hours without risk.

Critics argue that China’s 996 culture (9 a.m.–9 p.m., 6 days a week) is itself heavily criticized within China today, with younger generations resisting toxic work practices.

A Question of Productivity, Not Hours

Modern Economies Focus on Efficiency, Not Exhaustion

Many economists emphasize that productivity is not directly proportional to work hours.

Countries with the highest productivity—Germany, Netherlands, and Scandinavian nations—work fewer hours but produce more.

Key Reasons Behind This

• Stronger processes and automation

• Skill-focused workforces

• Efficient time management

• Technology-driven output

• Healthy employees leading to higher-quality work

India’s challenge, experts argue, is not insufficient hours but insufficient efficiency, upskilling, digital infrastructure, and managerial capability.

Youth Reaction: “We Need Opportunities, Not Exhaustion”

Generational Shift in Workplace Values

India’s Gen Z and millennials—who make up the majority of the workforce—favor flexibility, creativity, purpose-driven work, and mental well-being over traditional hard-labor mindsets.

Online reactions highlight:

• Desire for fair pay, not longer hours

• Need for better leadership and work culture

• Preference for balanced, meaningful careers

• Expectation of global-standard HR practices

The younger workforce argues that India needs better salaries, less micromanagement, and more innovation—not more hours.

Corporate Responsibility and Systemic Issues

Long Hours Cannot Replace Systemic Reform

Experts argue that instead of expecting individuals to overwork, India needs:

• Stronger infrastructure

• Better management practices

• Skill development initiatives

• Workplace innovation

• Faster digital adoption

• Reduced bureaucracy and inefficiencies

India’s growth potential lies in structural improvements, not extending employee hours.

Conclusion

Murthy’s suggestion to adopt a 72-hour workweek has triggered a national conversation about work culture, productivity, and India’s future economy.

While his intentions may stem from a desire to see India rise rapidly, the practicality and sustainability of such a model remain heavily debated.

India stands at a crossroads: will it pursue old-school labor intensity, or will it embrace a productivity-driven, innovation-focused, human-centric approach like modern developed nations?

The discussion is far from over—but one thing is clear: India’s workforce is evolving, and its growth strategy must evolve with it.