Infosys has started asking employees to stick to a standard 9.15-hour workday, particularly during remote work, in an effort to reduce stress and promote well-being. The company’s HR teams have begun sending personalised emails to employees who consistently exceed these hours while working from home.
Emails Warn of Health Risks and Stress
According to internal messages accessed by The Economic Times, employees are being cautioned about the health implications of prolonged working hours. The messages recommend regular breaks and suggest that overworking should be avoided for long-term physical and mental wellness. The tone remains firm yet supportive, urging staff to notify managers if they feel overwhelmed.
Contrasting Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Workweek Comment
The move follows intense public debate triggered by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s earlier remark advocating a 70-hour workweek for young Indians. While Infosys has not publicly opposed this idea, its internal guidelines suggest a more balanced, employee-centric approach. The advisory reinforces the view that sustainable productivity stems from health and work-life balance.
Monitoring Work Hours Under Hybrid Setup
With Infosys operating under a hybrid model, employees are currently expected to work from the office for at least 10 days a month. The remaining days involve remote work, where HR teams now track work hours closely. The system flags individuals who regularly overshoot expected timings, and this triggers advisory emails with suggestions for time management and well-being.
Stress-Linked Health Concerns Gain Attention
Highlighting the larger issue, cardiologist and MP Dr. CN Manjunath stated that rising cases of stress-related heart issues among youth underline the dangers of chronic overwork. Infosys’ actions align with this concern, as the company tries to prevent burnout across its 3.23 lakh workforce.
A Broader Conversation on Work Culture
The government, too, has taken note. In Parliament, opposition leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised concerns about rising workplace stress, prompting the Labour Ministry to clarify that work hours are regulated at the state level. Within this context, Infosys’ latest move signals an evolving workplace culture focused on mental health and long-term employee welfare.
