The debate over long working hours in India’s corporate sector continues, with Capgemini India CEO Ashwin Yardi strongly opposing the 70-90-hour workweek proposed by industry leaders like Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy and L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. Instead, Yardi supports a 47.5-hour workweek, calling it a more sustainable and balanced approach to productivity.
Work-Life Balance Over Excessive Hours
Speaking at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF) in Mumbai, Yardi outlined his perspective:
“47 and a half hours. We have about nine hours a day and five days a week.”
He also discouraged sending work emails on weekends, stating that unless an issue can be resolved immediately, escalating it outside of working hours only causes unnecessary stress without improving productivity.
Industry Leaders Weigh In on Work Hours
The discussion around working hours gained momentum after NR Narayana Murthy suggested a 70-hour workweek to boost India’s global competitiveness. L&T’s SN Subrahmanyan went even further, advocating for 90-hour workweeks, even expressing regret over not making employees work on Sundays.
In contrast, Nasscom Chairperson Sindhu Gangadharan and Marico CEO Saugata Gupta also stressed that workplace productivity should be outcome-driven, not measured by hours clocked.
The Changing Perspective on Workplace Efficiency
Yardi’s remarks highlight a shift in corporate thinking—prioritizing efficiency over sheer hours worked. Companies today recognize that overworking employees can lead to burnout, negatively affecting creativity, innovation, and retention.
While some traditional leaders argue that extended workweeks drive economic growth, modern executives are pushing for flexibility and smart work practices.
Final Thoughts: Striking the Right Balance
The 70-90-hour workweek debate raises critical questions about work culture, productivity, and employee well-being. With technology enabling efficient workflows, the focus should be on outcomes rather than outdated work-hour expectations.
As Indian workplaces evolve, companies must find a balance—maximizing productivity without sacrificing employee well-being. What’s your take? Should working hours be extended, or is a balanced workweek the way forward?
