Narayana Murthy of Infosys has advocated the adoption of China’s 9-9-6 work rule (9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week) in India. It’s a 72-hour work-week. He is being criticized for suggesting that this rule is illegal in China.
What is 9-9-6 Rule: Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again reiterated his old demand regarding working hours. However, this time he gave the example of China and said that the people of India should also adopt the 9-9-6 rule of Chinese companies. After all, we know what these rules are.
What is the 9-9-6 rule?
The 9-9-6 rule describes a work culture commonly associated with some Chinese tech companies. Especially in the last ten years. This refers to a schedule that requires employees to work from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week. Employees who follow this rule work 72 hours a week. However, this practice has received a lot of criticism due to it being too stressful. This can have a negative impact on the health and work-life balance of employees.
China’s Supreme Court considered 9-9-6 illegal
In 2021, China’s Supreme Court declared the 9-9-6 working hours system illegal. However, it is not clear how extensively this ban has been implemented and in which places it is being followed.
What did Narayana Murthy say on 9-9-6 rule?
Despite the criticism the 9-9-6 culture has received, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy called it a positive example during an interview. Let us tell you that Murthy was in the news in 2023 when he sparked a national debate when he said that Indians should work 70 hours a week for the growth of the country. Narayan Murthy said, there is a saying in China 9, 9, 6. Do you know what that means? Working from 9 am to 9 pm 6 days a week. That means it is a 72 hour week. He further said that even in India, youth should work at least the same number of hours. He further said that one should live life first and then worry about work-life balance.
Why is Narayanamurthy being criticized?
Narayan Murthy is being heavily criticized on social media for this statement. People are saying things like lack of overtime pay in India, health risks associated with long working hours, lack of salary increase, disadvantages of living life around work. X user Akash Tiwari wrote, there is a saying in Europe, 10, 5, 5. You know what that means – 10am to 5pm, 5 days a week. They go travelling, trekking, meeting friends and enjoying life.