From the experience at the top, can India achieve a ’70 hour work week’?
Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, proposed that Indian youth work 70 hours per week to boost the country’s production. He highlights the importance of increasing India’s labor productivity, citing Germany and Japan as examples.
A 70-hour work week, which equates to approximately 12 hours of labor each day for six days, elicits both praise and condemnation.
According to the 2019 Time Use Survey, young Indians between the ages of 15 and 29 spend more than 7.2 hours per day on job and associated activities in rural regions and 8.5 hours per day in urban areas.
Key benefits of introducing a ’70 hour work week’
Maximize the Demographic Dividend
By 2030, India’s working-age population will account for 68.9% of the total population. India has a competitive edge in terms of labor due to its comparatively young population (median age of 28.4 years).
India desperately needs a devoted labor force of young people prepared to work 70 hours per week in the service of nation-building.
Work Culture Discipline
India’s work culture must undergo a dramatic transformation to become extremely determined, incredibly disciplined, and meticulous. Instead of lowering our efforts and focusing on wasteful habits, now is the time to fully commit to the job of completing what other nations have done over many years in one generation.
Insights from Germany and Japan
After World War II, the average yearly working hours of Germans and Japanese peaked at around 2,200 to 2,400 hours per year — around 8.3 to 9 hours per day over a five-day work week with no holidays. In a rapidly developing country like ours, the traditional 5-day workweek framework falls short. This generation is meant to lead India to the world’s greatest economy, and it should be dedicated to this goal.
Possibility for Skill Development
It is not necessary to devote the entire 70 hours to your firm; alternatively, allocate 40 hours to professional tasks and 30 hours to personal skill development. The idea is to put in the extra time necessary to master one’s chosen subject of expertise.
Possible Downfalls of the ’70 hour work week’
Productivity Declines with Long Working Hours
Research repeatedly reveals that after 50 hours of labor per week, productivity lowers dramatically and drops much more after 55 hours. The lack of at least one full day off every week might have a detrimental influence on total hourly production.
Germany and Japan gained productivity while decreasing working hours, with yearly working hours falling to 1,400-1,600 hours.
Imbalance in Work-Life Equilibrium
Long work hours can result in burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and an imbalance in work-life balance.
Longer work hours entail less time for sports and recreation, as Indians devote less time to these activities than Germans and Japanese. Working long hours can cause physical and mental exhaustion, restrict family time, and impede the body’s natural healing process.
Health Consequences
Sleep disorders have serious health consequences.
Risk of cardiovascular disease is increased.
Obesity as a result of fast food and inconsistent meal times.
Stress, anxiety, and sadness are all symptoms of mental health problems.
Working women bear an additional burden
Working women who work long hours find it difficult to handle childcare duties. Working women who work long hours and have family commitments may find it difficult to advance in their careers.
Conclusion
RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka spoke with X on the 70-hour work week. He stated that the ‘current and future’ of work culture is hybrid. He went on to say, “It’s no longer about working 50 or 70 hours, but about your own ambition, your purpose, and your productivity.”
Mukesh Bansal, the creator of CureFit and Myntra, entered the argument and stated that working 40 or 70 hours per week is a ”personal decision” and that individuals should first understand their goals. He also stated that it is just not reasonable to ask individuals to work 70 hours per week for a 40-hour income.
Certainly, diligent work is the cornerstone of success, but it is not only about the hours put in; it is also about the commitment and excitement. The idea is to make work more enjoyable by enabling an effortless blend of work and personal life. When young professionals are enthusiastic and purpose-driven, finding work-life balance comes naturally.
