Venkat Boddeti’s Post

""After Narayana Murthy, L&T head suggests 90-hour work week & there is social media outrage"" It's not only in Infosys or L&T but public sectors also have similar issues,though no Chairman or higher authorities would come forward to make such statements. When employees approach someone for redressal the oft repeated reply is "if you have some better choice,you are free to explore that ". The so called terms like work-life balance, reduced stress levels, employee engagement, happiness index are never practised in almost every corporate group. It happened even in one of the big four companies (which conduct workshops on such matters) where a CA girl succumbed to high stress.There was hue & cry initially but after some time every thing is just normal. Infosys and L&T have shared their views but study needs to be carried out for all the big corporate houses & story would be similar.Only difference one would notice is personal treatment, empathy & humane behaviour by the Bosses.

Not long ago, N R Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys, had made a vociferous call for a 70-hour work week, and now it is the turn of L&T chairman S N Subrahmanyan to pitch for extended working hours. He has urged employees to put in 90 hours at work every week and to even forgo weekends in the pursuit of professional excellence. Corporate leaders of all stripes in the country appear to be now batting for the future of productivity, which lies not in work-life balance but in work-work sublimation. No doubt, such statements from those at the top of the pyramid show a lack of consideration for the human cost of such benchmarks, which simply overlook both the physical and mental well-being of employees, their familial demands, and long-term sustainability. The suggestion that more hours translate to greater productivity and success has no basis in facts. It is time Indian corporate honchos internalized the fact that labor is not a commodity.

The recent reports suggesting that Infosys founder Narayana Murthy advocates for a 90-hour work week, including working on Sundays, raise several important questions about labor practices, employee well-being, and the broader implications for society. Firstly, it is essential to recognize that such a work schedule can lead to severe physical and mental health issues for employees. The globally accepted standard of an 8-hour work day is based on the principle of balancing work, rest, and leisure—8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, and 8 hours for personal activities. Extending working hours to such an extreme level not only disrupts this balance but also risks treating employees as mere tools for productivity rather than as individuals with personal lives, families, and well-being to consider. Secondly, in a country like India, which already faces high unemployment rates, advocating for longer working hours might inadvertently exacerbate the issue. Instead of overburdening a single employee with 90 hours of work per week, organizations could create more opportunities by hiring additional employees. This approach would not only reduce the strain on individual workers but also contribute to addressing the unemployment crisis by distributing work more equitably. While increasing productivity and economic growth is a laudable goal, it must not come at the expense of employee rights and basic human dignity. Sustainable economic development requires a balance between corporate goals and the well-being of the workforce. Companies must strive to create workplaces that promote innovation, efficiency, and growth while respecting employees' needs for rest, personal development, and quality of life. It is imperative for business leaders and policymakers to approach such suggestions with caution and ensure that any changes to labor practices are aligned with ethical standards and societal well-being. Infosys boAt Lifestyle Zamato magicpin

Infosys founder Narayana Murthy said “he disappointed when companies moved from 6-day to 5-day work week Owner vs Employee views Every individual has their own perspective, and it’s natural for the views of owners and employees within the same organization to differ. Not all employees aim solely to earn money and become wealthy at the expense of their personal lives. As an owner, you may either expect an employee’s best work output or their complete time, but not both simultaneously. This is because most employees work to achieve personal and family goals. They need to pursue these goals while earning a living, which includes spending quality time with family, taking care of their health, exercising, enjoying weekend gatherings, or visiting places of worship, among other activities. Employees need a work-life balance to achieve peak productivity. As employee can bring greater focus, energy and dedication to work. If an owner’s expectation is simply to have employees’ time and they are satisfied with lower quality work, that is an entirely different matter. As an employee, you should choose an organization that aligns with your values and goals. To do this, it is essential to continuously update your skills and expand your marketability. #worklifebalance #toxicworkenvironment #productivity

Narayana Murthy's Controversial Stance: No to Work-Life Balance? Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, sparked debate with his recent statement dismissing the concept of work-life balance. Murthy expressed disappointment over Infosys adopting a five-day workweek. The Argument Against Work-Life Balance 1. Professionalism Over Personal Life - Employees should prioritize professional commitments. - Personal life should adjust to professional demands. 2. Performance-Driven Culture - Focus on delivery and quality. - Work-life balance hinders productivity. 3. Leadership Responsibilities - Leaders must set examples. - Sacrifices are necessary for success. Counterarguments 1. Burnout and Exhaustion - Long hours harm physical and mental well-being. 2. Talent Retention - Work-life balance attracts and retains top talent. 3. Innovation and Creativity - Balanced employees drive innovation. Impact on Infosys 1. Employee Morale - Potential decline in job satisfaction. 2. Industry Competition - Rivals may attract talent with better work-life balance. Murthy's stance has ignited debate. While emphasizing professionalism, it's crucial to consider employee well-being and modern work culture. #WorkLifeBalance #NarayanaMurthy #Infosys #Productivity #Wellness #Leadership #India #indiajobs

How long can you stare at your wife..? This question, posed by Larsen & Toubro chairman while advocating for a 90-hour work week, has sparked outrage. First, it was N. R. Narayana Murthy suggesting a 70-hour work week, and now this. Let’s get real: ~ A mazdoor earns ₹30,000/month for 8 hours of hard labor every day. ~ Meanwhile, many engineers in top firms like Infosys reportedly earn just ₹25,000/month and are expected to slog 10+ hours daily. The irony? These are educated, skilled individuals contributing to India’s tech and growth story. Yet, they’re asked to work like machines with no regard for their personal lives. Even the Arthashastra, written over 2,300 years ago, understood the importance of fairness, balance, and sustainable productivity: 1. "Excessive burden ruins productivity." Sanskrit: "अतिभारः कर्मणां नाशाय भवति।" (Arthashastra, Book 1, Chapter 19) Overworking employees reduces efficiency and leads to burnout. A wise leader ensures balance to sustain long-term productivity. 2. "The happiness of the subjects is the happiness of the king." Sanskrit: "प्रजासुखे सुखं राज्ञः, प्रजानां च हिते हितम्।" (Arthashastra, Book 1, Chapter 13) The well-being of employees directly impacts the success of their leaders. Ignoring their needs harms the organization in the long run. 3. "Reward work fairly and avoid exploitation." Sanskrit: "न अतियोगं न चाल्पं दद्याच्छक्तिमतां धनम्।" (Arthashastra, Book 2, Chapter 1) Just wages and equitable treatment are crucial. Exploiting workers disrupts loyalty, stability, and prosperity. Work-life balance isn't laziness—it’s respect for human dignity. Instead of pushing for endless hours, shouldn’t we focus on fair pay, productivity, and healthier work environments? Oh, and as for staring at your wife—don’t ask that question. You might find someone else staring at her while you're stuck at work! #larsentoubro #infosys #engineers #linkedin #worklifebalance

Saying shitty things only degrading the social acceptanace of existing employee, it decreases the sense of security. No one can think about employee so employees should also reciprocating the same .

Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently suggested that Indians should work 14-hour days to boost productivity and compete globally. While I respect his contributions to the industry, this statement feels disconnected from the realities of today’s workforce. At a time when work-life balance, mental health, and employee well-being are priorities for organizations worldwide, advocating for such long hours could push employees toward burnout rather than progress. Hard work is crucial, but efficiency, innovation, and smart processes are what drive true productivity—not just the number of hours clocked in. What adds to the contradiction is the news of Narayana Murthy gifting shares to his grandson—a great gesture of wealth transfer, but it also highlights privilege. For most people, working 14-hour days isn’t about driving a nation’s growth—it’s about survival. This raises an important question: Should leaders push for outdated work philosophies while benefiting from systems that allow them to pass down immense wealth and comfort to future generations? While I admire Narayana Murthy’s achievements, I believe this suggestion is out of step with modern times. Instead of glorifying long work hours, we should focus on fostering sustainable work cultures where employees thrive, innovate, and balance their lives effectively. What do you think—are 14-hour workdays the way forward, or do we need to rethink our approach to productivity and leadership? #Leadership #WorkLifeBalance #HardWork #Productivity #NarayanaMurthy

"Chill the Heck Out: 70-Hour Work Week Debate" Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy is back in the headlines, doubling down on his belief that young Indians should work 70-hour weeks. His unapologetic statement—"I am sorry, I have not changed my view. I will take this with me to my grave."—has set social media ablaze yet again. Here’s what I think: It’s just an opinion. Sure, it’s sparked conversations, but people will ultimately work as much as they want, need, or are forced to—based on their goals and circumstances. Now, I empathize with those stuck working long hours without a choice. But I also acknowledge something else: not everyone has the luxury of a balanced work life. Some people are working hard because they want to escape their current situation, because they have to. For them, this isn’t about hustle culture or controversy—it’s about survival and ambition. And that deserves respect. For the rest of us, let’s chill the heck out. If you’re a content creator, milk the controversy positively—discuss productivity, share tips on balance, or even reflect on what hard work means to you. Let’s turn the noise into something constructive. At the end of the day, success doesn’t have one formula. Let’s keep the discussion meaningful and focus on how we can grow, wherever we are on our journey. What’s your take on this? Let’s talk.

A society that glorifies 70-hour workweeks celebrate exploitation, not excellence.👀👀👀 Working 70 hours a week would not lead to long-term productivity. Instead, it would result in exhaustion and create a repetitive, unproductive cycle. While building a successful company is important, it should not come at the cost of family time. After all, every individual comes from a family, and sacrificing personal relationships for work would be a significant mistake.🎯 It's better to prioritize a balanced work-life approach,where employees work fewer hours, such as 7-8 hours a day, in a productive and happy manner. A happy employee is more likely to contribute positively to the company's growth. Working fewer hours doesn't reflect poorly on the company; instead, it ensures a healthier, more motivated workforce, leading to sustainable success for everyone involved. Some individuals have spoken about working 90 hours per week 😱 😱 The cost of overwork is paid with health, happiness, and humanity. Infosys L&T Finance