In a country where the average workweek already surpasses global norms, recent calls for 70- and 90-hour work weeks have reignited fierce debates on work-life balance in India. Comments from Larsen & Toubro's chairperson, advocating extended hours, followed by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s 2023 proposal for a 70-hour week, have drawn sharp criticism and applause alike.

Murthy's reasoning harks back to post-war economic recoveries in Japan and Germany, attributing success to extended work hours. Similarly, L&T’s SN Subrahmanyan argued that “staring at your wife” wasn't productive, a remark many found tone-deaf and sexist. Tech magnates like Elon Musk have echoed similar sentiments globally, promoting relentless work ethics for success.

However, such rhetoric ignores significant concerns. Doctors warn of the health risks of overwork, including stroke, depression, and premature death. Reports by the International Labour Organization show South Asia already leads in long work hours globally, yet labor laws cap standard work weeks at 48 hours.

While entrepreneurs like Bhavish Aggarwal of Ola and Anupam Mittal of Shaadi.com advocate for longer hours early in careers, critics like Shark Tank's Namita Thapar emphasize the disparity between salaried employees and wealthy founders. The backlash forced Tamil Nadu to withdraw recent amendments allowing 12-hour shifts, while Karnataka holds its similar law in abeyance.

This ongoing discourse underscores the need to balance economic ambitions with workforce sustainability. Productivity gains cannot come at the cost of well-being, and India must tread carefully to avoid creating a burnout-driven workforce.