Narayana Murthy Advocated 70-Hour Work Week, But Infosys Now Urges Employees To Maintain Work-Life Balance And Avoid Overtime

Infosys has reportedly launched an internal program encouraging employees to maintain a healthier work-life balance, especially while working remotely. The company’s HR team is monitoring employee work hours and sending personalised emails to those exceeding the standard threshold of 9.15 working hours per day, five days a week.

Infosys adopted a hybrid work model in November 2023, requiring employees to work from the office at least 10 days a month. Since then, HR has been tracking hours more closely to ensure employees are not overworking while at home.

According to an Economic Times report, the emails sent to ‘overworking employees’ include a detailed summary of the employee’s remote workdays, total hours clocked, and average hours per day. They also urge employees to take breaks, delegate tasks when needed, and disconnect after work to protect their health. “Take time to recharge during off hours, minimising work-related interactions whenever possible,” one such email advised.

Infosys has an employee strength of over 323,000 people. This new program comes amid growing concerns about the health risks associated with overwork, poor sleep, and irregular meals. “While we appreciate your commitment, we also believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both your well-being and long-term professional success,” reads one of the reported emails.

Interestingly, Infosys' current stance completely differs from earlier comments made by co-founder N R Narayana Murthy. In 2023, Murthy advocated for a 70-hour workweek and criticised the five-day workweek model, He had mentioned, “I don’t believe in this concept of work-life balance.” His remarks had sparked debate, with some questioning its sustainability in modern workplaces.

Published on: Tuesday, July 01, 2025, 03:53 PM IST