What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Narayana Murthy, one of India’s most respected business leaders, recently stirred debate by advocating a 70-hour work week for Indian employees to accelerate national growth. While his comments are rooted in a desire to see India thrive globally, the proposal is fundamentally misguided. What India needs is not longer work hours but greater efficiency, productivity, and a focus on skill development.
India’s workforce already puts in long hours. According to a report, Indian workers clock some of the highest average work hours globally, yet the correlation between hours worked and output remains dismally low. This disconnect stems from a fundamental issue: a lack of productivity-enhancing skills and tools. A mason working a 12-hour shift may still produce subpar results if he lacks proper training or access to advanced tools. Similarly, an engineer or teacher putting in extended hours cannot be effective without a robust framework of quality education, modern resources, and an enabling work culture.
Long hours often lead to fatigue, burnout, and diminishing returns. Studies show that productivity declines significantly after a certain threshold of hours, and overwork can have adverse effects on both physical and mental health. A workforce working harder but not smarter is not the solution to India’s aspirations of becoming a global powerhouse.
Take the example of sectors such as education, healthcare, and transport. Teachers often resort to rote methods rather than innovative pedagogies because they are neither trained nor incentivized to adapt. Doctors in overburdened government hospitals frequently manage large patient inflows, but inefficiencies in the system prevent them from delivering optimal care. Cab drivers, despite working long hours, struggle with basic tools like GPS navigation. These issues do not stem from a lack of willingness to work but from insufficient capacity-building efforts and systemic inefficiencies.
What India needs is an overhaul in its approach to work. First, we must prioritize skill development across all sectors. Policymakers and industry leaders should invest in capacity-building programs to ensure workers have access to modern tools, methods, and technologies. The adoption of global best practices can significantly enhance efficiency without requiring employees to work themselves to exhaustion.
Second, the focus must shift to outcomes rather than hours. Employers should encourage a results-oriented culture where performance is measured by quality and impact rather than time spent at the desk. Flexible work arrangements and smarter task management can foster creativity and innovation.
Third, India must address systemic inefficiencies. Bureaucratic red tape, poor infrastructure, and a lack of digital penetration hamper productivity across sectors. Streamlining processes, improving workplace infrastructure, and leveraging technology can unlock untapped potential in India’s workforce.
Finally, organizations need to foster a culture of well-being. Employees who are well-rested and motivated are far more likely to perform effectively than those exhausted by grueling schedules. Companies that value work-life balance tend to see higher retention rates and greater innovation.
