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The "996" system in China has been banned due to long-term worker harm
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- Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy claims 72-hour workweeks reflect real hard work, not office presence
- WHO warns that hours beyond 55 per week increase serious health risks
- Iceland and Japan trials prove shorter weeks improve output and well-being
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has once again called for longer working weeks has returned, this time with an emphasis on schedules like the 996-pattern used in parts of China.
Murthy's comments revive a debate which began in 2024, when he argued that Indian employees should work 70 hours a week.
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Murthy has now upped that figure to 72 hours, claiming the extended schedule reflects what he sees as genuine hard work rather than time spent in the office without real output.
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Renewed push for extreme hours
Murthy linked longer weeks to growth, national progress, and innovation, even though he has made similar arguments for decades.
“No individual, no community, no country, has ever come up without hard work,” Murthy said.“When I say hard work, not going to the office and sleeping there. When I say hard work, it means hard and smart work.”
Murthy’s recent interview reiterated long-held views that India's five-day workweek harms economic potential.
The 72-hour schedule was presented as a requirement for enterprises that want rapid improvement and stronger performance.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletterContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.However, Murthy's comparison to China is somewhat bizarre, because the 996 system was banned in 2021 after lawmakers concluded it breached labour protections and risked long-term harm.
The World Health Organization has stated hours exceeding 55 hours per week raise the likelihood of severe health problems when compared to standard 35 to 40-hour schedules.
Multiple other studies have evaluated shorter weeks and produced results that undermine his claims.
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Iceland’s four-day work week trial showed higher emotional stability, improved well-being, and stable or increased output, and Microsoft Japan also saw a significant rise in productivity during its own experiment.
These findings challenge the suggestion that extended hours consistently result in improved national or corporate performance.
With the proliferation of AI tools, the broader tech industry is showing signs of normalising excessive schedules, even as burnout becomes more visible.
However, enterprises relying heavily on productivity tools are not necessarily offsetting the strain of long hours.
Office software can help streamline daily tasks, but it does not remove the health risks associated with an extended schedule.
Similarly, AI tools can support automation and efficiency, yet they cannot replace the need for adequate rest and sustainable working hours.
The rush to push AI adoption has intensified pressure across enterprises, and high-profile figures such as Sergey Brin have described 60 hours as a productivity peak.
Developers, however, continue to experience rising levels of exhaustion and mental strain.
Via ITPro
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Efosa UdinmwenFreelance JournalistEfosa has been writing about technology for over 7 years, initially driven by curiosity but now fueled by a strong passion for the field. He holds both a Master's and a PhD in sciences, which provided him with a solid foundation in analytical thinking.
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