Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently ignited a nationwide conversation by proposing that India’s youth should adopt a 70-hour workweek to boost national productivity. While Murthy sees extended hours as the backbone of a strong economy, for many young professionals, the idea sounds like a call to surrender their boundaries. To millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize flexibility, mental health, and fulfillment, Murthy’s suggestion seems out of sync with modern values around a balanced living.
The evolution of workplace culture over the past few decades reflects more than a simple shift in preferences. Where Baby Boomers and Gen X viewed long hours as symbols of dedication, millennials and Gen Z have redefined what it means to be committed. According to a Deloitte survey, 85% of millennial and Gen Z employees rate work-life balance as a top priority, believing it fosters productivity and personal well-being. Many Gen Z professionals in particular set clear boundaries: they refrain from taking work calls after 6 p.m., and their preferred workweek sits at a firm 40 hours— which Murthy might jokingly consider “weekend hours.”
Murthy’s call for longer hours comes amid growing concerns about workplace pressures, underscored by the tragic passing of an EY employee in India, which sparked a flood of stories about stress and burnout in high-pressure jobs. Many young professionals voiced concerns over excessive expectations, especially in demanding fields like banking and finance, where tasks assigned to you post 7pm is the norm.
This tension reflects a broader question: does the gap between generational perspectives on work hours contribute to rising workplace stress? As organizations strive to retain young talent, they may need to bridge this gap by adopting policies that value productivity, well-being, and reasonable boundaries.