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The issue of working hours is once again in the news as Narayana Murthy has reiterated the suggestion of 72-hour work-week. Giving the example of China’s 9-9-6 rule, he said hard work is the key to success. However, there have been strong reactions from people regarding this statement on social media.
New Delhi. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again supported the 72-hour work week. This time he gave the example of China’s famous and controversial ‘9-9-6’ model, in which employees work from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week. In an interview given to Republic TV, he said that no country or society has progressed without hard work. Murthy also said that ‘first one should make a life, then one should worry about work-life balance.’
China’s 996 model and mention of PM Modi
Murthy told that the staff of his company Catamaran understood the work culture there by staying in different cities of China. He claimed that 9-9-6 is a common mentality in China, which makes for a total 72-hour work-week. During this, he also gave the example of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he works about 100 hours a week. According to him, this is an inspiration for the youth that only hard work and smart work can create opportunities for the weaker section.
Sharp reactions on social media
Murthy’s statement created a stir on the internet. Many people said that Indians are already struggling with traffic, inflation and low salaries, so a 72-hour work week is not possible. One user wrote, ‘First give China’s infrastructure and salary, then talk about 996.’ Another user commented that ‘India does not need 72 hours of work, it needs a salary that can bear the burden of rent, fees and grocery.’ Many people also said that the demise of China’s 996 model only proves its shortcomings. There, cases of employee burnout and mental stress had increased.
996 model banned in China, ‘lying flat’ movement increases
The 996 work culture is now legally banned in China because it increased burnout, health problems, and work-life imbalance. Critics have even called it ‘modern slavery’. In protest, many youth became part of the ‘Lying Flat’ movement, which advocates a low-stress and balanced life. In India too, Murthy’s statement has reignited the same debate whether long hours are necessary for economic development or better systems, salaries and technology are the real solutions.
