As the Infosys founder defends his 72-hour workweek suggestion, comparisons with China’s once-prevalent 996 system reignite debates on productivity versus work-life balance.
Narayana Murthy’s Take on India’s Work Ethic
Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has once again stirred debate by urging Indian youth to adopt a 72-hour workweek. In a recent interview, he linked his suggestion to China’s infamous “996 work culture”, stating that hard work precedes success, both for individuals and nations.
“There is a saying in China — 9, 9, 6 — meaning 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. That’s 72 hours a week. And that’s what they were doing,” Murthy said, referencing feedback from his own firm’s employees who visited Chinese cities.
What Is China’s 996 Work Culture?
The 996 system refers to a work schedule of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, adding up to 72 hours per week. It became widespread in China’s tech and startup sectors during the 2010s.
Where It Originated:
- Adopted by companies like Alibaba, Huawei, and JD.com, the 996 model was initially celebrated for its “startup hustle” ethos.
- Jack Ma, Alibaba’s founder, once called it a “blessing” for young people seeking success.
Why It Was Criticised:
- Employees began raising concerns about mental health, burnout, and overwork deaths (known as guolaosi in Mandarin).
- Social media campaigns like #996ICU (meaning “Work 996, end up in the ICU”) gained massive traction.
- Critics said the model treated humans like machines while enabling corporate overreach.
China’s Legal Crackdown on 996
In August 2021, following a growing chorus of protests and legal complaints, China’s Supreme Court and Ministry of Human Resources ruled 996 schedules illegal.
Current Legal Work Hours in China:
- Max 8 hours per day, 44 hours per week.
- Overtime cannot exceed 3 hours a day or 36 hours a month, and only with employee consent.
- Violations are now actively pursued, especially in state-regulated sectors.
Murthy’s Controversial Comparison
Murthy’s endorsement of a 72-hour workweek and reference to 996 come at a time when global workplaces are shifting toward flexible, balanced work environments.
He argues that India’s youth should embrace long hours for national progress, instead of prioritizing work-life balance too early.
“No country has made progress without hard work,” Murthy insists. “We have to sacrifice for the next 20–30 years to be globally competitive.”
Mixed Reactions in India
While some agree with Murthy’s productivity-first mindset, critics say his views are outdated and ignore worker well-being.
Supporters Say:
- India’s economic potential can only be unlocked through greater productivity.
- Young professionals should build resilience during their prime years.
Critics Argue:
- Long hours don’t always translate into better results.
- Mental health, family life, and innovation suffer under extreme work pressure.
- The world is moving toward sustainable, human-centric work models — not away from them.
Global Work Trends Show a Different Direction
As countries like China back away from the 996 model, nations such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden promote reduced workweeks with equal or better productivity.
Even corporate India has seen a shift post-pandemic, with many companies adopting hybrid work, flexi-hours, and employee wellness programs.
