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

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".