New Delhi: In a move that underscores its commitment to employee well-being, Infosys has launched a new internal campaign urging staff to limit their work hours, especially during remote work. The move marks a clear shift from co-founder Narayana Murthy’s pitch for a 70-hour work week.
According to a report by the Economic Times, company’s HR team has begun sending personalised emails to employees who exceed the standard 9.15-hour workday, five days a week. These messages track remote working hours and flag excessive overtime, encouraging employees to take regular breaks and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
“While we appreciate your commitment, we also believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for your well-being and long-term professional success,” one of the emails read.
The tech giant further urged employees to communicate with managers if overwhelmed, request task redistribution when needed, and minimise work-related interactions outside office hours. The initiative comes in the wake of the company’s hybrid work policy, introduced on November 20, 2023, which mandates at least 10 days of in-office work per month. HR teams have since been actively tracking time spent by employees during remote work to ensure balance.
This policy shift contrasts sharply with Narayana Murthy’s 2023 remarks, where he had called for India’s youth to embrace a 70-hour workweek for economic growth. Speaking at the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s centenary celebration in Kolkata, Murthy had said, “We have to set our aspirations high… If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will?”
Murthy later clarified that his rigorous schedule was a personal choice, not a prescription for all, stating: “There’s nobody who can say you should do this, you should not do it.” The debate over work-life balance versus productivity has intensified in Indian corporate circles, especially after Murthy’s comments.