'Will take this to my grave': Narayana Murthy doesn't believe in work-life balance, defends 6-day workweek

'In this country, we need to work hard. There is no substitute for hard work, even if you are the most intelligent guy,' Narayana Murthy said.

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has restated his support for a six-day workweek, arguing that India’s economic challenges and ambitions necessitate a stronger culture of hard work. Speaking at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit, Murthy expressed regret over India’s shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986, a decision he has long criticised and refused to embrace.

“I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave," Murthy said, while explaining his position to CNBC-TV18’s Shereen Bhan. He argued that hard work is fundamental to personal and national success, asserting that it’s especially important given the socio-economic needs of India.

Murthy referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a prime example of dedication to duty. He praised PM Modi for working tirelessly — reportedly logging 100-hour workweeks — as an inspiration for others to match this level of commitment. “When PM Modi is working 100 hours a week, the only way to show our appreciation for the things that are happening around us is by our work,” he said. According to Murthy, this work ethic should be a model for all Indians.

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The Infosys co-founder also mentioned prominent business leader K.V. Kamath, Independent Director and Non-Executive Chairman of Jio Financial Services, who had previously stated that a developing country like India must focus on addressing its pressing challenges, setting aside concerns over work-life balance. Murthy endorsed Kamath’s view, agreeing that the needs of a country with India’s socio-economic profile are such that comfort and leisure must sometimes be sacrificed for productivity and growth.

Highlighting his own career as an example, Murthy recalled how he often started his workday at 6:30 a.m. and returned home around 8:40 p.m., putting in 14-hour days, six and a half days a week, until his retirement. He took pride in this rigorous routine, viewing it as a duty. “I’m proud of it,” he said, explaining that it was this level of dedication that contributed to Infosys’ growth and his own personal fulfilment.

Murthy’s latest comments come after his recent suggestion that young Indians should aim for a 70-hour workweek to boost productivity, a statement that generated mixed reactions across social media. While some supported his call for stronger work ethics, others questioned its feasibility and its impact on health and well-being. Murthy addressed this response directly, stating that the criticism does not change his opinion on the importance of consistent hard work.

“In this country, we need to work hard. There is no substitute for hard work, even if you are the most intelligent guy,” he said, emphasising that diligence is as crucial as intelligence or talent in achieving one’s goals. For Murthy, hard work is a responsibility for those who have the advantage of education and opportunities, especially when those privileges are often subsidised in India.

Murthy drew parallels between India’s situation and the histories of nations like Japan and Germany, which rebuilt their economies through collective hard work after World War II. He contended that India’s young population has a similar responsibility to contribute to the nation’s development in a competitive global economy, citing these countries as models of what is possible through a dedicated workforce.