Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy recently suggested that young Indian professionals should be willing to work 70 hours a week for India to develop. This statement has sparked a debate about India's work culture and the importance of employee health and well-being.
India's Working Hours and Wages
According to a 2022 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), India has the longest working hours in the world, with an average of 46.5 hours worked per week. This is significantly higher than the global average of 35 hours per week.
In terms of wages, India is also one of the lowest-paid countries in the world. The ILO report found that the average monthly wage in India is just $190, compared to the global average of $1,100.
Comparison to Other Countries
Here is a comparison of India's working hours and wages to those of other countries:
| Country | Average Weekly Working Hours | Average Monthly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| India | 46.5 | $190 |
| United States | 34.4 | $3,977 |
| United Kingdom | 34.8 | $3,018 |
| Germany | 34.2 | $3,789 |
| Japan | 36.8 | $3,483 |
As you can see, India has significantly longer working hours and lower wages than other developed countries.
Criticism of Murthy's Remarks
Murthy's suggestion that young Indians should work 70 hours a week has been met with widespread criticism. Critics argue that such a long workweek is unsustainable and would have a negative impact on employee health and well-being.
They also point out that the relationship between work hours and productivity is complex. Working excessively long hours does not necessarily lead to increased productivity, and in fact, can have the opposite effect.
Additionally, critics argue that Murthy's remarks are tone-deaf and out of touch with the reality of life for most Indian workers. The vast majority of Indian workers are already working long hours for low wages. They simply cannot afford to work even longer hours.
Narayana Murthy's remarks on 70-hour workweeks are absurd and unrealistic. India already has the longest working hours in the world, and its workers are some of the lowest-paid. Asking Indian workers to work even longer hours is not the solution to India's development challenges.
Instead, the focus should be on improving productivity and creating a more equitable work culture. This means providing workers with adequate rest and time for their personal lives. It also means paying workers a fair wage.
Only then can India truly develop and become a global leader.