Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently ignited a contentious discussion by suggesting that Indian youngsters should work at least 70 hours a week to compete with countries like China and Japan. It implies that they need to work 12 hours a day. This call for 12 hours work a day, an intensified work schedule has sparked a passionate debate over 70-hour workweek in India, particularly among India''s youth. Productivity measures how efficiently inputs like labour and capital are used to produce outputs such as goods and services. 

Types of Productivity

Indian Labour productivity status as per the ILO Data

Young India’s working hours
(1) Time Use Survey in India 2019 data shows that young Indians aged 15-29 currently work around 7.2 hours a day in rural areas and 8.5 hours a day in urban areas.
(2) A State-wise comparison of the time spent on work in urban areas is higher than in rural areas. Uttarakhand ranks first, with young people from the State working for an average of 9.6 hours a day.
Mr. Murthy’s rationale for long working hours taking the productivity increase of Japan and Germany by long working hours
Germany and Japan after the second world war encouraged their workforce to put in extra hours of work per day to boost the economic productivity. The average working hours was between 2,200 to 2,400 hours per year, which came down to 8.3 to 9 hours of work per day, adhering to a five-day work week without holidays.
However, 70 hours work week would translate to 14 hours per weekday. This would be even more than what Japan and Germany reached in the post world war era.

Pros of 70-Hour Workweek

• Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency: A 70-hour workweek can significantly boost productivity and efficiency. With more time dedicated to work, individuals can complete a higher volume of tasks, meet deadlines, and make substantial progress in their projects. This heightened productivity often leads to career advancement and professional recognition.
• Skill Development and Mastery: The extended work hours allow ample time for skill development and mastery. Professionals can focus on refining their skills, gaining expertise, and becoming specialists in their respective fields. This expertise can result in higher job satisfaction and career growth.
• Financial Rewards: Working for 70 hours or more per week often leads to increased earnings. With overtime pay and opportunities for bonuses, individuals can substantially increase their income. This financial incentive can be particularly motivating for those with financial goals or responsibilities.
• Networking Opportunities: The extended hours spent in the workplace provide more opportunities for networking and building professional relationships. Collaborating with colleagues and superiors opens doors to new career prospects, mentorship, and valuable connections.

Cons of 70-Hour Workweek

• Burnout and Health Concerns: A 70-hour workweek can have adverse effects on an individual''s physical and mental well-being. Prolonged hours, elevated stress levels, and insufficient rest can result in burnout, linked to physical and mental health issues, including a heightened risk of heart disease, anxiety, and depression.
• Work-Life Imbalance: Maintaining a 70-hour workweek often means sacrificing personal and family time. This can lead to strained relationships, neglect of family and friends, and a decreased quality of life. Achieving a balance between work and personal life becomes challenging.
• Diminished Creativity and Innovation: Overworking can limit opportunities for creativity and innovative thinking. Exhaustion and a lack of relaxation time can hinder an individual''s ability to think critically, solve problems, and generate fresh ideas.

A 70-hour workweek carries both advantages and disadvantages. It can lead to heightened productivity, skill development, financial rewards, and networking opportunities. However, it also carries the risk of burnout, work-life imbalance, and a reduction in creativity and innovation. Individuals contemplating such a demanding work schedule must carefully weigh these factors and consider the long-term impact on their personal and professional lives. Striking a balance between career ambitions and personal well-being is crucial for sustainable success.