'Tapasya' vs Well-being: Controversial 70-Hour Work Week Debate Resurfaces after Ola CEO's Statement

The debate surrounding the 70-hour work week has reignited, as Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal recently endorsed Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s earlier advocacy for extended work hours. Recently, Aggarwal shared his views in a podcast, sparking renewed discussions and controversies within the industry and beyond.

Aggarwal openly supported Murthy’s call for a 70-hour work week. He downplayed the significance of work-life balance, emphasising the need for intense dedication to propel India to the forefront of the global economy.

“When Mr Murthy said that (70-hour work week), I was publicly in support of that and I got trolled on social media for that. But, I don’t care because I have a strong belief that one generation will have to do tapasya, so that we can build the number 1 country in the world, the largest economy,” Aggarwal stated. He added, “I don’t agree with the work-life balance concept because if you are enjoying your work, you will find happiness in life also and work also, and both of them will be in harmony.”

The Silent Perspective

The reactions from industry leaders have been mixed but largely muted. While some may support the concept, many have refrained from expressing their thoughts openly, possibly due to concerns about potential adverse impacts.

However, Pankaj Mohindroo, Chairman of India Cellular and Electronics Association provided a nuanced view on the matter. “70-hour week is not conducive for optimum performance in continuous and repetitive jobs—e.g., assembly line in manufacturing. A highly motivated and happy workforce is key to building great value. The 70-hour week is actually a metaphor for blood, sweat, and tears—and generally connotes the entrepreneur’s/start-up work week which has no commas and weekends—great enterprises and nations are built with this ethos.” Mohindroo’s statement suggests that while extended hours may not be suitable for all job types, they symbolise the dedication and hard work often necessary in entrepreneurial ventures.

Prasad Sreeram, a serial entrepreneur, said that the statement has primarily sparked controversy among white-collar workers, while blue-collar workers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs often work extended hours out of necessity. Sreeram emphasised, “Working hours for them is based on economic growth and productivity. Their hard work ensures that essential services and industries continue to operate smoothly. We must balance the conversation on work hours and focus on efficient working and upskilling.”

Meanwhile, Praneet Mungali, a trustee and educationist at Sanskriti Group of Schools, highlighted the adverse effects of excessive work hours on personal relationships and overall well-being. “Time is a zero-sum resource. An inordinately large amount of time spent at work would lead to less time on nurturing relationships with family and friends and also prevent the pursuit of other passions. This would lead to unhappier and eventually less productive workers,” Mungali explained.

The Origine

Murthy’s original statement in 2023 urging the youth of India to work longer hours for nation-building created a storm of both support and opposition. His wife, Sudha Murthy, defended his stance by highlighting his personal work ethic of 80-90 hour work weeks.

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath supported Murthy’s viewpoint, contrasting it with the trend towards shorter work weeks in some countries. However, his brother, Zerodha CEO Nithin Kamath, had previously advocated for limiting work-related communications to prevent burnout.

Other industry figures like CP Gurnani and Sajjan Jindal have echoed Murthy’s sentiments, emphasising hard work and dedication. Meanwhile, Marico Chairman Harsh Mariwala and Edelweiss CEO Radhika Gupta have called for a balanced approach, focusing on quality and passion rather than the sheer number of hours worked.

Mariwala pointed out: “For our youth to be truly engaged and motivated, we need to ensure they are placed in roles that challenge them and foster growth and learning.”

Gupta added that many Indian women have been working more than 70 hours a week for years without demanding overtime, underscoring the existing dedication and resilience in the workforce.

Health Concerns

Medical professionals, however, have expressed significant concerns over the feasibility and desirability of such extended work hours. They argue that life should encompass more than just work and have criticised the notion of a 70-hour work week as exploitative and solely profit-driven. Doctors have highlighted the health risks associated with prolonged work hours, citing increased incidences of cardiovascular diseases such as strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure.

Healthcare experts emphasise that scientific evidence suggests a significant decline in mental acuity, focus, and decision-making abilities once weekly hours surpass 50-55 hours. An oft-cited Australian study noted a 20 per cent decline in effectiveness past 55 hours per week, further reinforcing the risks of overwork.

The debate over the 70-hour work week continues to polarise opinions. While some industry leaders and entrepreneurs see it as a path to economic growth and national development, healthcare professionals and educationists warn of the potential health risks and personal sacrifices involved. As the discussion evolves, it remains crucial to find a balanced approach that ensures both productivity and well-being.