In a marked departure from co-founder Narayana Murthy’s advocacy for a 70-hour workweek, Infosys, one of India’s leading IT companies, has introduced a new policy focused on promoting work-life balance. The Bengaluru-based firm, with a workforce of approximately 323,500 employees, is actively monitoring working hours and encouraging employees, particularly those working remotely, to adhere to standard hours and prioritize their well-being.
Infosys’ Work-Life Balance Initiative
Infosys’ Human Resources (HR) department has implemented a system to track employees’ working hours, with a particular focus on remote work setups. Employees who exceed the company’s standard of 9.15 hours per day, five days a week receive personalized emails from HR, highlighting their overwork and urging them to maintain a healthier schedule. According to an employee quoted by The Economic Times, exceeding these hours triggers an automated notification, informing employees that their previous month’s average working hours surpassed the company’s limit.
The emails emphasize the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal well-being. They include actionable advice such as:
- Taking regular breaks during the workday to stay refreshed and productive.
- Communicating with managers about workload concerns or the need to reprioritize tasks.
- Delegating or redistributing responsibilities to manage demanding schedules.
- Minimizing work-related interactions during off-hours to ensure adequate rest and recharge time.
“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. We understand that work demands and deadlines can sometimes lead to longer hours. However, it is important to maintain a balanced work-life schedule to enhance productivity and overall happiness.”
Alignment with Hybrid Work Model
This initiative aligns with Infosys’ adoption of a hybrid work model, introduced on November 20, 2023, which requires employees to work from the office for at least 10 days per month. Since the policy’s implementation, HR teams have been diligently tracking employees’ work hours, both in-office and remotely, to ensure compliance with the new work-life balance guidelines. This monitoring is particularly critical in remote setups, where the boundaries between work and personal life can blur, leading to unintentional overworking.
Contrast with Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Workweek
The work-life balance policy stands in stark contrast to remarks made by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy in 2024. Speaking at the centenary celebration of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, Murthy advocated for a 70-hour workweek, arguing that young professionals must work hard to elevate India’s global standing and address widespread poverty. He stated, “We have to set our aspirations high because 800 million Indians get free ration. That means 800 million Indians are in poverty. If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?”
Murthy’s comments, which also included a rejection of the “work-life balance” concept in favor of sacrifice and rigorous effort, sparked widespread debate. Critics highlighted the potential negative impacts of extended working hours on employees’ physical and mental health. In response to the backlash, Murthy clarified in January 2025 that his 70-hour workweek was a personal choice and not a mandate. “There’s nobody who can say you should do this, you should not do it,” he said, emphasizing individual autonomy in managing work hours.
Industry Context and Broader Implications
Infosys’ policy shift reflects a growing recognition of the importance of employee well-being in the IT sector, where long hours have historically been normalized. The initiative echoes sentiments expressed by other industry leaders, such as Serum Institute’s Adar Poonawalla, who recently stated that working beyond 8-9 hours daily is unsustainable for most employees. The ongoing debate over work hours highlights the tension between productivity demands and the need for sustainable work practices that prioritize health and long-term efficiency.
By implementing this policy, Infosys is positioning itself as a forward-thinking employer, aligning with global trends that emphasize mental health, work-life integration, and employee satisfaction. The company’s focus on monitoring work hours and providing actionable guidance demonstrates a commitment to fostering a healthier workplace culture.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 3:57 pm by Lokram Chittiboina | Published by: Lokram Chittiboina on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 3:57 pm | News Categories: News
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