Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, said that the young people of India must work 70 hours a week to boost the country’s economic growth. Though some believed these demands were unrealistic, others saw it as a call for stronger work ethics.
So, what can young entrepreneurs learn from his statement?
1. The Power of Discipline and Hard Work.
Murthy’s comment highlights the importance of discipline, dedication, and tenacity for any entrepreneur. A determined mindset most often separates the start-ups that succeed from those that fail, even though working all-nighters is unsustainable.
Key Takeaways:-
- You need a personal relentless commitment in the early years when you are building a business.
- Success rarely comes with a traditional 9-to-5 approach.
- Hard work should be strategic, not just time-consuming.
Read More: Debate on Work-life Balance in India
2. Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Just Longer.
A 70-hour workweek doesn’t ensure working efficiently. Small business owners need to focus on efficient work habits rather than simply putting in long hours.
How to Make the Most of Your Time.
- Prioritize high-impact tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix.
- Automate repetitive work to focus on strategy.
- Take structured breaks to maintain creativity and efficiency.
3. The Global Perspective. How Other Countries Compare.
Murthy’s comment echoes the work ethics in the socio-economic milieu of China’s “996” culture (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week) and the high productivity expectations in Japan. However, most Western economies focus on work-life balance and mental health.
Summarising the statements of prominent business leaders:
Here’s a chart summarizing statements by prominent Indian entrepreneurs on work-life balance:
| Entrepreneur | Statement on Work-Life Balance | Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Narayana Murthy (Founder, Infosys) | “India’s youth should work 70 hours a week to boost the economy.” | Advocates hard work over balance. |
| Ratan Tata (Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons) | “Don’t be serious, enjoy life as it comes.” | Prioritizes well-being alongside work. |
| Mukesh Ambani (Chairman, Reliance Industries) | “Work-life balance for me means spending quality time with family despite a busy schedule.” | Supports balance but acknowledges work demands. |
| Anand Mahindra (Chairman, Mahindra Group) | “Work should inspire you, not imprison you.” | Advocates passion-driven work with balance. |
| Vijay Shekhar Sharma (Founder, Paytm) | “Startups require sacrifices, but burnout helps no one.” | Acknowledges hustle but warns against overwork. |
| Narayana Peesapaty (Founder, Bakeys) | “Work-life balance is about doing what you love without regrets.” | Emphasizes passion-driven sustainability. |
| Byju Raveendran (Founder, BYJU’S) | “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” | Supports blending work and life harmoniously. |
What Entrepreneurs Can Learn:
- Balance is essential — burnout is just as destructive as too little effort.
- Find inspiration in global work cultures but adapt strategies to individual well-being.
4. Innovation Over Just Hustle
Hard work matters, but innovation and smart execution matter even more. Working extra long hours doesn’t help, if you aren’t providing disruptive solutions or differentiating one startup from the other.
Steps to Work Smarter:
- Use AI applications to improve workflow.
- Stay hungry – keep learning and upskilling
- Learn the art of delegation; building a team is always better than doing it all by yourself.
5. Productivity Stays High With Good Mental Health
A common stance against working too much is that it creates stress and burnout which kills creativity. Entrepreneurs should prioritize well-being while maintaining a strong work ethic.
Work-Life Balance: Ways to Make it Work
- It seems to pay off when you are in good mental and physical health in the long run.
- Follow structured schedules with work-life integration.
- Integrate flexible work models to increase morale and productivity.
Takeaway: Hustle Hard, But Hustle Smart
Though it may have raised some eyebrows, Murthy’s statement represents a straightforward and factual underpinning of any principled entrepreneur: entrepreneurship demands dedication and discipline.But hustle culture must be complemented with good strategizing, innovation, and well-being to truly thrive in the long-run.
What’s Your Take?
Do you think Mr Narayana Murthy’s work ethic philosophy resonates with you? Share your opinions in the comments or reach out to us!
