The 90 Hrs Work Debate: Beyond Hours to Energy and Purpose

Recent comments by leading Indian business figures, including Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan and Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, have sparked a national debate on work culture, productivity, and India’s path to becoming a developed country. While these remarks have been widely criticized and sometimes taken out of context, a closer look reveals that they are less about working hours and more about India’s need for enhanced productivity and economic acceleration.

The Controversy: What Was Really Said?

S.N. Subrahmanyan’s recent statement advocating a 90-hour workweek, coupled with his rhetorical question, “How long can you stare at your wife?“, received sharp criticism for being insensitive and dismissive of work-life balance. Similarly, Narayana Murthy’s call for young Indians to work 70-hour weeks to boost India’s global competitiveness was met with backlash, with many arguing that such expectations promote a toxic work culture.

However, these statements should not be viewed purely as a numerical prescription but as a call to action for greater national productivity. Murthy, for example, cited post-World War II Japan and Germany, where citizens worked diligently to rebuild their economies, eventually transforming them into global powerhouses. India, too, must strive for such economic resilience.

The Bigger Picture: Productivity, Not Just Work Hours

What is India’s position when measured on the basis of per capita income?

India has GDP per capita of $2,200.

In 2021, India was ranked 145th in a list of 193 countries for which data was available. India was placed above Kenya and below the Solomon Islands. India’s position when it comes to the per capita income adjusted for purchasing power parity? India stood 128th in a list of 193 countries.

One can understand the developed countries:

• But Thailand has a GDP per capita of $7000. They have as many people as TN.
• Malaysia is  $ 10,000.
• Even Indonesia which is heavily populated, has a GDP per capita of $ 3800.
• And our neighbour Bangladesh has a Per capita income of $ 2700

What does the data imply. The productivity of Indians is very low. The yield per Indian is abysmally low. Imagine if an average Indian were to generate 10,000$ per capita income, India would be around 14Trillion dollar economy.

Instead of fixating on work hours, the discussion should revolve around improving productivity. A country’s economic success is not solely determined by how long its citizens work but by how efficiently they utilize their time and energy.

Time & Energy: The Illusion of Time

Time is a constant, ticking away at the same rate for everyone. We all have 24 hours in a day, no more and no less. However, the way we utilize that time varies significantly. The common adage “time is money” implies that time is a limited resource, but in reality, it is our energy that dictates our effectiveness and efficiency.

Energy as the True Currency

Unlike time, energy is boundless and renewable. Recognizing this key difference shifts the focus from how many hours one works to how much energy is invested during those hours. Quality trumps quantity when it comes to output, making energy the true currency of productivity.

The Four Dimensions of Energy

1. Physical Energy – Maintaining health through diet, exercise, and rest ensures sustained productivity.
2. Emotional Energy – Positivity and motivation enhance engagement and efficiency.
3. Mental Energy – Focus and strategic thinking drive high-impact outcomes.
4. Spiritual Energy – A sense of purpose fuels passion and commitment.

A workforce that manages these four dimensions effectively will be far more productive than one that simply clocks in more hours.

These principles of energy management are not new. As highlighted in my reflections on productivity, effectively managing energy is key to maximizing output, rather than simply extending work hours. For a deeper exploration of this concept, refer to my article Manage Your Energy, Not Time: The Blueprint for Success, which delves into how harnessing energy can significantly enhance productivity and well-being.

Learning from Japan’s Post-War Recovery

When Japan was devastated by World War II, its people worked doubly hard to rebuild the nation. However, their success was not just due to long hours but also to their disciplined approach, innovation, and commitment to quality. By the 1970s and 1980s, Japan had emerged as a global economic leader. India, too, must adopt a similar mindset—not merely working more, but working smarter and with greater purpose.

Moving Beyond the Debate

Instead of mocking these statements or taking them out of context, India must focus on:

• Enhancing productivity through technology, skill development, and efficiency.
• Improving workplace culture to balance energy investment with well-being.
• Fostering a national sense of purpose to drive economic growth.

A Call to Action

The debate on working hours should not distract from the real issue: India’s economic growth and the need for a more productive workforce. By focusing on optimizing energy, embracing efficiency, and fostering a culture of innovation and dedication, India can bridge the gap with global economic leaders like China and the U.S.

Rather than dismissing calls for greater effort, we should channel our energies into meaningful, impactful work that accelerates India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. The real challenge isn’t about how many hours we work—it’s about how effectively we use them.