Sudha Murthy, the acclaimed author and philanthropist, recently took to her Twitter account to share her insights on the ongoing debate surrounding the work hours of her husband, Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys. In her tweet, Sudha Murthy stated that Narayana Murthy used to work 80-90 hours a week during the early days of Infosys, shedding light on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent times.
The 70 Hours-a-Week Debate
The debate around work hours and work-life balance has been a prevalent topic in today’s fast-paced world. Many argue that a 70-hour workweek is strenuous and unsustainable, while others believe it’s necessary for success. Narayana Murthy’s name was brought into this conversation, with some claiming that he followed a rigorous 70-hour workweek throughout his career. This sparked curiosity and led to Sudha Murthy’s response.
Setting the Record Straight
Sudha Murthy’s tweet aimed to clarify the misconceptions about her husband’s work habits. She revealed that during the early days of Infosys, Narayana Murthy indeed worked exceptionally long hours, often exceeding 80-90 hours a week. This dedication and relentless commitment played a crucial role in the success and growth of Infosys, a company that went on to become one of the leading IT giants in India.
The Early Days of Infosys
To understand the context of Sudha Murthy’s statement, it’s essential to delve into the early days of Infosys. Narayana Murthy, along with his co-founders, established Infosys in 1981. At that time, the company was a small start-up with big dreams. To turn those dreams into reality, it required an immense amount of hard work, dedication, and persistence. Narayana Murthy’s long work hours were a reflection of his commitment to building a successful organization.
Work-Life Balance
Sudha Murthy’s tweet also highlighted a critical aspect of the work-life debate: the importance of context. She emphasized that her husband’s long work hours were a necessity during the initial stages of Infosys but not a standard to be followed throughout one’s career. Work-life balance is a dynamic concept that can vary based on individual goals, career stages, and personal circumstances.
