BALANCING WORK AND LIFE : IS 70-HOUR WORK WEEK REALISTIC?
The recent statement made by Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, advocating for a 70-hour work week among young Indians to enhance the productivity of the nation, has sparked a heated discussion over the equilibrium between professional commitments and personal life, economic advancement, and the welfare of the workforce. There is a consensus among industry leaders and experts that increasing working hours may be imperative for India to enhance its competitiveness in the global arena. However, this proposition has encountered opposition and elicited apprehensions over productivity, work-life balance, and potential health consequences.
India’s present average workweek, which is approximately 47.7 hours, exceeds that of several wealthy nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Nevertheless, Murthy’s proposition for a 70-hour workday exemplifies his aspiration for India to attain eminence and contend with prominent global powers such as the United States and China. The rationale for the implementation of longer working hours mostly stems from the utilisation of India’s demographic dividend, which refers to the advantageous situation created by the country’s youthful population that has the potential to propel economic progress. Furthermore, advocates underscore the necessity of cultivating a more regimented work ethos, observed in Germany and Japan, where productivity has exhibited an upward trend despite a decrease in working hours. Additionally, these findings underscore the imperative of enhancing labour productivity in order to remain competitive with other countries that have achieved notable advancements.
On the contrary, proponents of shorter working hours argue that productivity diminishes when the duration of work is prolonged. According to existing research, it has been shown that productivity experiences a fall subsequent to the completion of 50 hours of labour within a single week. This decline in productivity has the potential to exert a negative influence on the overall production per hour. Germany and Japan have provided evidence to support the notion that reducing working hours can lead to an improvement in productivity. This is evident from the substantial decrease in average annual working hours observed in these countries. An important issue that warrants attention is the disparity in achieving a balance between work and personal life, wherein extended work hours can result in burnout, diminished job satisfaction, and limited opportunities for engaging in leisure pursuits. Potential effects, such as sleep difficulties, an elevated susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases, and mental health concerns, are also cited as health implications. In addition, extended periods of employment might impose an additional strain on employed women, presenting difficulties in effectively balancing childcare responsibilities and impeding professional advancement.
In order to achieve a balance between professional commitments and personal well-being, the Indian government has implemented a range of plans and initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity. The aforementioned initiatives encompass skill development programmes, digitalization endeavours, the “Make in India” campaign, support for startups, reforms aimed at facilitating ease of doing business, development of industrial corridors, and incentives to foster research and innovation. Tax reforms, such as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), have resulted in the simplification of taxing processes, hence contributing to increased operational efficiency for firms.
The path to achieving a balance between professional and personal spheres, coupled with enhanced efficiency, necessitates the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence to optimise operational procedures. Additionally, it entails allocating resources towards technical education to equip the labour force with the requisite competencies. The primary emphasis should be placed on productivity rather than mere presence in the office, highlighting the need of allocating resources and acquiring appropriate equipment. In order to inspire and engage young individuals, it is imperative to assign them to demanding positions that facilitate personal development. Additionally, organisations ought to cultivate an environment characterised by openness, confidence, and a system that rewards based on individual merit. The practise of self-care is of utmost importance, particularly in prioritising the allocation of time for engaging in activities that foster relaxation and revitalization. These activities may include exercising, pursuing personal interests, and dedicating quality time to cherished relationships.
This discourse pertaining to Narayana Murthy’s proposition for a 70-hour workday in India exemplifies the intricate dynamics between economic advancement, productivity, and the welfare of the labour force. Although there exist proponents of extended working hours, there are equally compelling counterarguments that underscore apprehensions regarding productivity, the equilibrium between work and personal life, and overall well-being. Achieving a balance between individual welfare and economic expansion is vital. Government initiatives and the implementation of flexible work arrangements are crucial factors in attaining a state of equilibrium within the workforce, since they simultaneously enhance productivity and foster inclusivity. In assessing success, it is imperative to consider not just the quantity of hours invested in work, but also the level of commitment, passion, and satisfaction that individuals exhibit in their professional endeavours.
- Harshitha Agrawal, a 2nd year student at West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata.
