After Iran Attack, US President Donald Trump heard cursing out Joe Biden on Live TV

'9.15 hrs a day is enough': Infosys nudges staff on balance after Murthy's 70-hour workweek remark

Hero Image
In a subtle yet firm move, Infosys has started urging its employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance by sticking to standard working hours, especially while working remotely. The company's internal communications to staff emphasise the importance of well-being, health, and productivity—urging that 9.15 hours a day for five days a week is adequate.

The advisory comes in the wake of widespread discussion around Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's earlier suggestion that young professionals in India should work 70 hours a week to boost national productivity. Although Infosys has not commented directly on Murthy's remark, the internal guidance appears to advocate a contrasting, balanced approach.

Company tracks remote work hours and flags overwork

According to The Economic Times, Infosys has started sending personalised emails to employees who regularly exceed standard working hours while working from home. These emails include detailed data on the number of days the employee worked remotely, the total hours logged, and the average daily time spent on work. The communication reportedly states, "We must work for 9.15 hours a day for five days a week, and if we overshoot this while working remotely, it prompts a trigger," as shared by an employee on the condition of anonymity.

The initiative has been rolled out following the adoption of a hybrid working model at Infosys. HR teams now actively monitor and record work hours of employees during their remote working days to ensure no one is overextending themselves.

Emails highlight health risks of extended hours
As reported by The Economic Times, the HR communications stress that while employee dedication is appreciated, overwork can lead to adverse health consequences. The emails reportedly advise, "Take regular breaks during your workday; let your manager know if you are feeling overwhelmed… take time to recharge during off hours." Employees are also encouraged to speak with their managers to review priorities or redistribute responsibilities if needed.

The tone of the internal emails underscores that investing in health and work-life balance benefits both individual well-being and long-term professional success. The guidance echoes broader concerns about rising workplace stress, especially among young professionals.

Workplace stress and health warnings raise alarms
India's second-largest IT firm, Infosys, has around 323,500 employees. Its current return-to-office policy requires employees to be present in the office for at least 10 days each month. The move to monitor remote work hours and send cautionary emails seems to be a direct response to increasing health concerns related to remote overwork.

Dr. CN Manjunath, a noted cardiologist and Lok Sabha member, told The Economic Times that one-fourth of young heart attack patients studied at his hospital from 2013 to 2018 showed no conventional risk factors but had elevated stress levels. "Stress is one thing you cannot measure in a lab," he warned, cautioning professionals against overworking in pursuit of career ambitions.

National debate on workplace stress continues
The issue of employee stress and extended working hours has stirred nationwide debate. As reported by The Economic Times, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge raised the topic in the Rajya Sabha, questioning what measures were in place to address the growing problem. In response, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje noted that working hours were subject to state-level regulation.

Infosys employees also participate in an annual internal survey called Pulse, which gathers insights on workplace atmosphere and motivation. However, this latest move—where employees receive direct, personalised health advisories—is seen as a first-of-its-kind intervention in the company's recent history, according to The Economic Times.