70-Hour Week PROS and CONS
To assist the nation’s economy in catching up to wealthy nations, Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy recently stated that young people must work 70 hours a week. Employers differ on this issue; some support it and others do not. There are a few opinions of the 70-hour week and some voices have made it clear that they are with the idea of implementing the 70-hour work week. As examples of countries that effectively progressed their economies, N.R. Narayana Murthy cited Germany and Japan, which both extended labor hours in the years following World War II. He stressed that higher productivity might support India’s economic development because the nation now benefits from a demographic dividend. A beneficial effect that can lead to greater pay and ultimately boost consumption and the economy as a whole is longer workweeks. Successful business owners put in more hours of effort on average.
Against the 70-hour workweek
Extended work hours can have a negative impact on an individual’s mental well-being and may even result in burnout. A 70-hour work week entails working five days a week for approximately 14 hours per day, or six days a week for approximately 11.5 hours. Following World War II, Germany and Japan expanded their work hours to approximately 8.3 to 9 hours per day in a five-day workweek (maximum 45 hours per week), which is far less than 80 hours. As they say, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” therefore it’s important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. To maintain general well-being, making time for leisure and relaxation is crucial. In comparison to Japan and Germany, Indians already spend less time participating in sports and leisure activities (Source). Thus, a 70-hour workweek can further reduce free time and lead to more life unhappiness. Indian free trade agreements (FTAs) with other nations may be impacted by improper labor law compliance. Free trade agreements, or FTAs, are presently being discussed between India and the UK as well as the EU. Among the topics being examined are international labor standards.
Conclusion
Not everyone may be a fan of the idea of working long hours. Both their industry and personal tastes will determine this. It has to do with their enthusiasm for what they do and their readiness to put in so much time at work. A work-life balance may be preferred by some people over dedicating more time to their jobs.
Citation-
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/11/07/india-debate-on-70-hour-workweek-illegal-or-road-to-greatness.html
