New Delhi: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy clarified on Monday over his controversial remarks on a 70-hour workweek. In his statement, Murthy said he used to follow the schedule, but it must not be forced on anybody.
Murthy made this statement while delivering a lecture hosted by the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC) on Monday. Addressing the gathering, he said, “There is nobody who can say you should do this or you should never do that,” India Today reported. The clarification came after the businessman sparked debate on long working hours recently. He also shared his views on long working hours.
What did Narayana Murthy say earlier?
Murthy had suggested that people should work 70 hours a week. However, in a recent statement, the entrepreneur suggested that it was his habit to work long hours and must not be taken as a recommendation for employees.
“I used to reach the office at 6:20 am and leave at 8:30 pm. For 40-odd years, I have done this. This is a fact. Therefore, nobody can say this is wrong,” he added further. He added that he followed the above-suggested routine, others cannot be expected to follow the same.
‘These are the issues which must not be debated’
Murthy further said, “These are not issues which should be debated. These are issues which individuals can decide themselves and come to conclusion on what to do. Murthy’s latest statement has come amid a conversation on work culture in the country.
His comments led to suggestions by several other entrepreneurs in the country Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who backed a 90-hour workweek. Their remarks led to criticism from several quarters across the country with many questioning the practicality of working for such long hours.
