In a surprising turn of events, an internal email sent from Infosys headquarters in Bengaluru has seemingly contradicted the earlier views of company co-founder Narayana Murthy, who had suggested that young professionals should work 70 hours a week to improve national productivity.
The official communication, issued to all employees, emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and strictly adhering to allotted working hours. The email directed employees—both in-office and remote—to work only within their assigned schedules, avoid overtime, and prioritize personal well-being.
Employees must work only within the designated time frame. No overtime is encouraged, and remote workers will also be monitored to ensure compliance with allotted hours.
Anyone exceeding the expected working hours receives a reminder email from the company, advising them to prioritize their health.
The standard working time is capped at 9 hours and 15 minutes per day, including for those working from home. HR will monitor work hours accordingly.
The company promotes taking regular breaks, seeking help when unwell, and refraining from working on holidays to boost overall productivity.
Employees are encouraged to respect boundaries between professional and personal life, and the company assures support in maintaining that balance.
This policy direction marks a stark contrast to Narayana Murthy's 2023 remarks at an Indian Chamber of Commerce event, where he suggested that Indian youth should work up to 70 hours a week to accelerate national development. His comments stirred a nationwide debate on work culture and employee well-being.
While Murthy’s views emphasized long hours as a way to drive economic progress, Infosys’ current approach focuses on sustainability, mental health, and employee satisfaction. The divergence between the founder’s personal opinion and the company’s official stance reflects the evolving nature of workplace dynamics in the Indian IT sector. Industry experts believe this step by Infosys could set a precedent for other IT companies, signaling a broader shift towards healthier work environments that value output over extended hours.