Despite Murthy’s endorsement of a 70‑hour workweek, Infosys has issued a strong internal directive telling employees not to work overtime, especially while working remotely. Personalized emails are being sent to staff logging over 9.15 hours/day over five-day weeks, reminding them to maintain healthy work-life boundaries for their well-being and long-term effectiveness.
Infosys Urges Employees to Avoid Overtime
🧭 Murthy Clarifies His Position
Murthy—who worked 14 hours daily during Infosys’s early days—emphasizes that while long work hours were his personal choice, such a regime should not be imposed on others. He encourages individuals to introspect and choose their own path, not enforce it universally.
🤝 Pushback from Staff and Startups
The debate has extended beyond Infosys:
- Shark Tank India used this topic to spark conversation in its promo, highlighting the toll of overwork .
- In Bengaluru, IT workers—via KITU—protested, even attempting to burn Murthy’s effigy, signaling deep resentment toward enforced long working hours.
Broader Industry & Government Context
Karnataka proposed extending daily work hours up to 12, inciting both support and memes referencing Murthy’s stance.
Murthy promotes “compassionate capitalism”, urging fair wealth-sharing and dignity in the workplace.
What This Means for Today’s Work Culture
| Stakeholder | Outlook |
|---|---|
| Employees | Feel empowered—Infosys backing healthy hours provides relief and reflects a shift toward holistic well-being. |
| Leadership | Balancing Murthy’s personal example of hard work with modern employee needs is leading to new policies. |
| Industry | The spotlight is on sustainable productivity models—emphasizing fairness, dignity, and mental health. |
Final Takeaway
- Murthy: Long hours were his personal choice—not a mandate.
- Infosys: Actively discouraging overtime, focusing on employee health.
- Work Culture: A national debate is underway, seeking balance between industriousness and well‑being.
Also read: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Record-Breaking Legacy: 178 T20Is and Counting