Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has reiterated his stance on work-life balance, productivity, and the prevalent culture of extended working hours. In a recent interview, the 79-year-old entrepreneur referenced China’s famous 9-9-6 work ethic to support his belief that young Indians should dedicate more hours to work to accelerate India’s progress.
Murthy sparked discussions back in 2023 when he suggested that Indians should commit to a 70-hour work week for the betterment of the nation. This time, he elaborated on this concept by highlighting China’s rapid growth over the years, positioning it as a model for industrial and economic advancement.
The 9-9-6 rule originated in Chinese tech firms, requiring employees to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling 72 hours of work. While this practice gained traction during China’s tech boom, particularly in companies like Alibaba and Huawei, it faced backlash for fostering stress, burnout, and a lack of work-life balance. Despite China’s Supreme Court deeming the 9-9-6 schedule illegal in 2021, enforcement remains inconsistent.
During an interview with Republic TV, Murthy underscored China’s productivity approach and suggested that young Indians should embrace a similar work ethic to drive the country’s progress. He emphasized prioritizing career development over work-life balance, urging individuals to “get a life and then worry about work-life balance.”
Addressing the potential for India to surpass China in manufacturing or other sectors, Murthy expressed optimism but stressed the need for sustained dedication. While acknowledging India’s 6.57% economic growth rate as commendable, he highlighted the significant gap between India and China’s economies, emphasizing the necessity for unwavering commitment from all segments of society.
Murthy emphasized the importance of setting high personal standards for achieving progress, stating that reaching China’s level will require collective effort. He emphasized the need for every citizen, bureaucrat, politician, corporate leader, and civil society leader to strive for excellence to propel India forward.
Overall, Murthy’s insights underscore the significance of hard work, dedication, and a strong work ethic in driving India towards accelerated growth and development.