India has been arguing about work life balance for years. Long hours, late-night calls, weekend emails, and the pressure to stay reachable have become routine across workplaces. Many workers say the system drains energy and leaves no room to disconnect. Each time the debate begins to slow down, a familiar voice pushes it back into the spotlight. Infosys founder N. R. Narayana Murthy has done that more than once. His views on discipline and long work hours often trigger responses because they cut close to what young professionals experience every day.
His latest comment has renewed the debate. In an interview with Republic TV, Murthy said, “There is a saying in China, 9, 9, 6. You know what it means? 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week. And that is a 72-hour work week,” and added that young Indians should follow the same routine. The pushback was immediate. For Indian workforce, Murthy's remark does not match the conditions they live with. Through various social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, they pointed to long commutes, rising expenses, uneven salaries, and a growing culture of after-hours communication. Many argued that extending the workday is not a solution for a system that already stretches people beyond capacity. The reaction showed how clearly the workforce understands its limits and what it wants from the future.
When hard work turns into hard living
Working long hours has not translated into better results. Many young professionals already spend most of their day working or travelling. The strain shows up in energy levels, mental focus, and motivation.Indeed's India Work-Life Balance Survey 2024 found that 88 percent of Indian employees receive work-related messages outside official hours. It also showed that 85 percent are contacted during sick leave or holidays. These interruptions have blurred the line between personal time and office responsibilities. The report linked poor balance to burnout, with 52 percent of workers identifying it as a major cause. The findings highlight a pattern where effort is rising but recovery time is shrinking.
This is not about a workforce avoiding responsibility. It is about workers who feel stretched because work follows them everywhere.
India is already working long weeks
International Labour Organisation (ILO) data from early 2025 shows that Indian employees work an average of 46.7 hours a week. More than half work beyond 49 hours. These numbers are higher than the working hours in Western Europe. The ILO report notes that extended schedules affect mental health, family time, and long-term well-being.For many workers, a large part of the day is already taken up by long tasks and traffic. The idea of increasing hours feels out of sync with how people live and work today.
A moment where social media spoke for the workforce
Murthy’s statement moved quickly across social platforms. The responses offered a clear view of how workers interpret the reality of their jobs and personal lives.Before the first wave of reactions, many young Indians drew a comparison they often make when this topic reappears. They pointed to regions where work is structured around life, not the other way around. This led into one of the first viral posts.
Many young workers pointed out that other regions structure work in a way that leaves space for life.
As the discussion intensified, the next theme surfaced. Workers said compensation shapes how much time they are willing to put in. A longer workweek, some argued, might be negotiable if pay matched global standards.
Others said they would consider longer hours if pay matched the effort and global benchmarks.
A third set of comments focused on everyday economic realities. Many said expectations must reflect the infrastructure, wages, and costs that define life in India today.
Some reactions reminded leaders that work expectations must match the wider economic reality of everyday life in India.
There was also pushback to the China comparison. Users noted that China itself has taken steps to limit extreme hours.
Many users also corrected the narrative by pointing out what Murthy left out about China’s work culture.
Taken together, these reactions reflected a collective voice. Workers spoke about pay, time, and the need for a system that respects boundaries.
There is another way to work
Many comments compared India to Europe. In several European countries, a shorter workday and a fixed workweek help people maintain stability. Evenings are available for rest, and weekends are not extensions of office hours. The idea is not to replicate another country’s model. It is to recognise that balance supports better performance than exhaustion.Why balance matters to young professionals
Work life balance is a core expectation for this generation. It helps build sustainable careers and supports learning, decision-making, and long-term growth. High stress leads to errors, low engagement, and higher attrition.Young workers are asking for conditions that let them contribute without feeling worn out. They want:
- Fair pay
- Predictable hours
- Time to rest
- Mental stability
- Supportive management
- Opportunities to grow without losing personal time
A new direction for corporate India
If India wants stronger growth, it needs to focus on how work is structured. This includes reducing inefficiency, setting clear expectations, and respecting personal boundaries. Companies need systems that allow workers to stay productive without sacrificing their well-being.India’s young workforce is ready to contribute with purpose. What they need is a culture that supports both work and life.
This debate is not about resistance. It is about sustainability. Young workers want a future where effort produces progress, not exhaustion.
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