Billionaire Harsh Mariwala on Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week tip: 'It's not about the hours'

Marico founder and chairman Harsh Mariwala (Image credit: @hcmariwala/X)

Billionaire Harsh Mariwala has rejected Infosys founder Narayan Murthy's advice to youngsters about working 70 hours a week to increase India's overall productivity. The Marico founder and chairman has said that employers and employees should focus on the quality and passion put into the work rather than the number of working hours.

"Reflecting on the recent sentiments expressed by Mr. Narayan Murthy regarding the youth working 70 hours a week, I feel compelled to share my perspective, " he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "Undeniably, hard work is the backbone of success, but it is not about the hours clocked in. It's about the quality and passion one brings to those hours."

The industrialist added that to ensure that the country's youth is truly engaged and motivated, it is important that they are placed in roles that not only challenge them but also encourage growth and learning. "When an individual sees a path where hard work translates to a promising future, they are naturally inclined to give their best," the Marico head said.

Elaborating on a healthy workplace that values a work-life balance, he said it is pivotal for organisations to cultivate a culture rooted in "transparency, trust, and meritocracy which is devoid of gossiping, backbiting and politicking".

"The ultimate objective should be to make work so invigorating and rewarding that the paradigm of work-life balance seamlessly integrates. When young professionals are passionate and see purpose in what they do, the need to 'balance' becomes a harmonious blend of personal and professional fulfillment," Mariwala added.

Narayana Murthy had sparked an uproar on social media after he appeared on a podcast and suggested 70-hour work weeks to youngsters. In conversation with former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai, Murthy said that India’s work productivity is among the lowest in the world. In order to compete with countries like China, India’s youngsters must put in extra hours of work – as Japan and Germany did after World War 2.

“So therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say, ‘This is my country. I’d like to work 70 hours a week'," the 77-year-old said.

Read more: Bengaluru cardiologist on Narayana Murthy’s 70-hour work week advice: 'Wonder why young people are getting heart attacks