Introduction
The recent remarks by tech tycoon Mr. Narayana Murthy advocating a 72-hour workweek for workers have ignited widespread debate about the nature of work, labor rights, and the future of work and productivity. Adding fuel to the fire, Mr. S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman of L&T, called on employees to join hands at the workplace, even on Sundays. These statements have sparked intense discussions on social media, often limited to memes and superficial commentary, lacking a nuanced understanding of the issues.
This article dives deeper into the implications of such statements. It examines whether veterans like Narayana Murthy and S.N. Subrahmanyan are justified in advocating extended work hours in the name of national development and productivity. We will explore whether a causal relationship exists between increased work hours and productivity, the opportunity costs of working 72 hours per week, or whether it is just a facade of crony capitalism. Also, we will assess the feasibility of such approaches. Instead of delving into the normative ethics of labor, we aim to analyze the practicality of these arguments in limited ways to check the feasibility of working 72 or 92 hours per week.
Advocating 72-Hour Workweeks: A Privilege?
Mr. Narayan Murthy likely worked over 72 hours a week—or might still be doing so—to build an exceptional company. His dedication to hard work is admirable, and I respect it. Building a company worth 8.1 trillion INR undoubtedly requires immense courage and effort, including long working hours. In return, he has amassed a fortune of 36,600 crore INR. From this position of immense wealth, advocating for 72-hour work weeks reflects a unique privilege—one free from the burdens of financial insecurity, familial responsibilities, or the health challenges of modern life. With such resources, these challenges can be addressed or mitigated with relative ease.
Historically, science has shown that risks—whether related to health, work, or responsibilities—can often be managed effectively when adequate resources are available. For someone of his fortune, any potential hazard can likely be addressed quickly and effectively.
Unfortunately, most of the Indian workforce does not share this level of privilege. With a per capita income of just 184,000 INR annually (about 15,333 INR monthly), much of this income is consumed by essential expenses like education, food, and entertainment, leaving little room for savings. In the event of a medical emergency, many families face the devastating burden of significant debt. Those advocating for longer working hours often overlook this harsh reality, as their privileged circumstances shield them from such vulnerabilities.
Does Long Hour Work Equal Greater Productivity?
There is no direct causal relationship between long working hours and growth or productivity. What truly drives productivity and growth is deep, focused work supported by a healthy mental state. A study by Stanford University reveals that productivity drops significantly after 49 hours of work per week, with minimal gains beyond 55 hours. Employees working 70 hours accomplish no more than those working 55 hours. This underscores the fact that the quality of work and engagement, not the sheer number of hours, is what fosters productivity.
In today’s world, where AI and modern technology allow us to maximize efficiency, it’s entirely possible to achieve high levels of productivity in far fewer than 72 hours per week. Advocating for excessively long working hours often stems from one of two things: either an outdated mindset about work and labor or the whims and fancies of certain individuals. I’ll leave it to you to determine which is more likely.
The Costs of Working 72-92 Hours a Week
It’s often said that everything comes at a cost, and working 72 or more hours a week is no exception. Humans are inherently social beings, deeply connected to their communities and relationships. Prolonged work hours can significantly impact individuals not limited to these two but in many more ways:
A-Erosion of Social and Cultural Connections:- Long work hours can drastically disrupt the social and cultural fabric of society. Spending less time with family and friends strains relationships and weakens social support systems. Multiple research also indicates that extended work hours are linked to marital dissatisfaction and even higher divorce rates, further highlighting the toll on personal relationships and social cohesion.
B-Severe Health Risks:- Extended work hours can lead to chronic fatigue and numerous health complications. Studies show a clear association between long hours and increased risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and strokes. According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), working over 55 hours a week raises the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%. Additionally, there is substantial evidence linking long working hours to heightened levels of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Impact on Women in the Workforce
A study by Deloitte highlights that women in the workforce are among the most vulnerable, often facing heightened risks of both physical and mental exploitation. For example, half of the women surveyed reported higher stress levels compared to the previous year, with long working hours being a significant contributing factor.
Further, we cannot ignore the dual burden many women carry. Beyond their professional responsibilities, women often have substantial roles to play at home. Working 9-12 hours at the office, followed by at least 6 hours of household duties, is not only exhausting but can also have severe consequences for their physical and mental health. This relentless cycle puts them at greater risk of developing chronic diseases and even facing premature mortality. It’s absolutely overwhelming!
A study by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) further underscores this issue, revealing that extended work hours exacerbate gender inequality. Women are disproportionately affected as they struggle to balance demanding work schedules with personal and family responsibilities. This imbalance highlights the urgent need to re-evaluate work culture and create systems that prioritize both well-being and gender equity.
Conlcusion
There are still many nuances to explore on this topic, but certain limitations prevent us from delving deeper. However, the central question remains the same: does working long hours truly benefit firms or individuals in any way? Or does it contribute to nation-building? The available literature suggests otherwise. The focus of the debate should shift toward finding ways to effectively utilize or maximize productivity within reasonable time frames, emphasizing quality of work over quantity.
In today’s world, where we have the privilege of leveraging AI and advanced technologies, the conversation should be about how these tools can scale productivity and drive business growth. Instead of promoting harmful, anti-human, or misogynistic narratives about workers, we should advocate for humane and inclusive strategies that prioritize both efficiency and well-being.