The Background
The debate over extended workweeks has gained momentum
following statements from industry leaders like L&T Chairman SN
Subrahmanyan and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. Subrahmanyan suggested a
90-hour workweek, while Murthy proposed a 70-hour workweek to drive a shift in
India’s work culture. These remarks have sparked mixed reactions, with some
praising the intent and others criticizing the potential impact on work-life
balance.
TCS CEO K Krithivasan recently addressed this debate, urging
people to understand the broader context of these comments.
Finding a Balance
Krithivasan shared his thoughts on maintaining flexibility
and balance in the workplace rather than adhering to rigid standards.
On Work-Life Balance:
He explained that workloads can vary depending on situations.
- “Some
weeks, I work 60 hours, and other weeks, it’s just 40. Over time, you
learn to find your own balance,” Krithivasan said, highlighting that
achieving happiness at work is a personal journey.
Responding to 90-Hour Suggestions:
He addressed the controversy around Subrahmanyan’s remarks:
- “It’s
not about working Sundays for years on end. These comments are being
misinterpreted,” he said.
- Drawing
from his own experience, he mentioned, “I’ve worked Sundays to meet
critical deadlines, but there were also weeks where the workload was
lighter.”
Views on Youth and Work Ethics
Krithivasan avoided blaming younger workers for prioritizing
work-life balance.
- “They
give their best effort,” he said, emphasizing that the modern workforce’s
expectations deserve respect.
- He
also urged fairness when interpreting the remarks of industry veterans,
discouraging overreaction and sensationalism.
TCS’s Approach to H-1B Visa Changes
Shifting focus, Krithivasan spoke about TCS’s readiness to
handle potential changes in U.S. H-1B visa policies.
- Current
Workforce: Over half of TCS’s 40,000 employees in North America are
local hires. The company uses about 3,000 H-1B visas yearly.
- Preparedness:
TCS has invested in training and local hiring programs to minimize the
impact of visa restrictions.
Public Reaction and Concerns
The idea of extended workweeks has sparked significant
backlash, especially on social media.
- Subrahmanyan’s
Statement: Comments like “How long can you stare at your wife?” drew
criticism for appearing to trivialize work-life balance.
- Murthy’s
Proposal: Similarly, his suggestion of a 70-hour workweek was met with
concerns about burnout and mental health risks.
Moving Forward
As discussions about India’s work culture continue,
Krithivasan’s balanced perspective provides a middle ground. He respects the
contributions of industry veterans but stresses the importance of evolving
workplace practices to match modern expectations.