The debate over Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s
suggestion of a 70-hour workweek has sparked mixed reactions across
India. While some see it as a call for ambition, others criticize it as a
pathway to burnout. Now, a fresh perspective has emerged from a
conversation on R. Madhavan’s podcast, "For a Change", where
neurologist Dr. Sid Warrier explains why long working hours impact
people differently.
Passion vs. Stress: The Key Factor
Dr. Warrier argues that the issue isn’t the number of
hours worked, but how the brain perceives those hours.
- People
who are passionate about their work—like entrepreneurs—can work long
hours without feeling drained.
- However,
employees who lack control over their work may feel exhausted, as
their brains register the time as being taken away from them.
"For Narayana Murthy, Infosys is his baby, so he can
put in endless hours without stress. But an employee working the same hours for
someone else may feel burnt out," explains Dr. Warrier.
The Impact of Stress on the Body
The discussion emphasizes that stress—not just long
hours—is what affects health.
- When
work feels forced, the nervous system enters a fight-or-flight
mode, leading to fatigue, anxiety, and health issues.
- When
work is fulfilling, the body stays in a relaxed state, allowing
people to work longer without exhaustion.
"It's not about the hours," Dr. Warrier
says. "It's about whether there's stress or not."
Work Smarter, Not Just Longer
Dr. Warrier suggests shifting the conversation from
just "working more" to "working smarter" and finding
purpose in what you do.
- Passionate
individuals may naturally put in extra hours without burning out.
- Others
need structured breaks and a clear work-life balance to
maintain productivity.
Final Thoughts
Rather than debating whether 70-hour workweeks are
necessary, the real question should be:
👉
Does your work energize you or drain you?
This thought-provoking discussion challenges the idea that long
hours alone lead to success—instead, it’s about how we experience those
hours.