Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy has reignited the debate over long working hours by once again calling for an increase in the weekly work schedule. In a fresh interview, he referred to China’s controversial 9-9-6 work model, where employees work from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. Murthy said that if India wants to grow as fast as China, the country’s youth must be ready to work at least 72 hours a week. His remarks have triggered renewed discussions across corporate circles, labour groups and social media users.

China’s 9-9-6 rule and its impact

Murthy cited China’s widely known 9-9-6 pattern, which prevailed for years in major technology firms such as Alibaba, Tencent, Huawei and JD.com. The system pushed workers to stay in the office for 12 hours daily for six days, often without adequate compensation. Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei had openly stated that those unwilling to follow the 9-9-6 regime could leave the company. Employees faced constant pressure as companies expected double the output without additional pay, allowing startups to avoid hiring larger teams.

In China, the practice led to severe mental and physical stress among employees. Reports of anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation and sudden deaths gradually raised alarms. In 2021, China’s Supreme Court declared the 9-9-6 schedule illegal. Yet several companies continued to follow it quietly, reflecting the deep-rooted culture of overwork in the sector.

Middle-section key highlights

• Long work hours in Chinese tech firms resulted in widespread burnout
• Several incidents of sudden deaths sparked nationwide criticism
• Despite being illegal now, some companies still push hidden overwork
• Startups used overwork to reduce hiring costs
• The model created long-term mental health challenges among youth

Murthy’s repeated defence of extended work hours

This is not the first time Murthy has advocated long working hours. In 2023, he advised young Indians to work 70 hours a week, prompting mixed reactions. Some termed the suggestion unrealistic and harmful to health, while others viewed it as a call for greater commitment to national growth. In 2024, he once again stressed that citizens must adopt a work ethic similar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he described as a leader putting in nearly 100 hours a week. Murthy said that without such dedication, India cannot match global economic powers.

He also underlined four personal points in support of long work weeks, including his own routine of working 14 hours daily for six days during his early years. According to him, intelligence alone cannot ensure success unless backed by sustained effort.

Right-to-disconnect concerns in India

Even as Murthy advocates extended work hours, surveys highlight a strong desire among Indian employees for better work-life balance. A study by global hiring platform Indeed found that 88 percent of workers remain connected to office communication after hours. Many employees feel social pressure to respond even on holidays or sick leave, while others struggle to separate personal and work time.

Another key trend emerged from the survey:

• A majority of employers support the idea of a right-to-disconnect policy

Kerala is the first state attempting to bring a formal Right to Disconnect Bill, allowing employees to ignore office calls, mails or messages after work hours. The bill, introduced in 2025, is awaiting committee approval and voting. The aim is to reduce mental stress and restore work-life boundaries for employees.

Growing concern over overwork risks

Reports from global bodies such as WHO and ILO indicate that India is one of the most affected countries when it comes to deaths linked to excessive work. Many workers across sectors routinely clock 10 to 11 hours without overtime pay. Surveys show that 71 percent of employees work beyond scheduled hours, impacting their health, relationships and emotional stability.

End-section key takeaways

• WHO-ILO studies list India among countries most affected by overwork
• Workers often receive no overtime despite extended shifts
• Long hours harm sleep, productivity and family relationships
• Experts call for balanced schedules to avoid long-term burnout

Infosys legacy and Murthy’s journey

Narayana Murthy co-founded Infosys in 1981 and served as CEO until 2002. He later became the board chairman and eventually chairman emeritus before rejoining as executive chairman in 2013. His emphasis on discipline, work ethic and commitment has shaped much of his public stance on productivity. However, his views continue to divide opinion in a country still debating the balance between ambition and employee well-being.