### Narayana Murthy's Controversial Call for a 72-Hour Workweek: A Reflection on Work Culture Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, has reignited a heated debate in India regarding work hours by advocating for a 72-hour workweek, drawing inspiration from China's notorious "9-9-6" work culture. This model, which entails working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week, has been both criticized and praised for its impact on productivity and employee well-being. Murthy's comments have sparked significant backlash, particularly among the younger workforce, who are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance in a changing economic landscape. His assertion that such a work ethic is essential for India's growth has been met with skepticism and concern about the implications for employee health and family life [https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/china-9-9-6-work-schedule-narayana-murthy-infosys-13951750.html][https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/trends/narayana-murthy-revisits-his-72-hour-workweek-remark-cites-china-s-9-9-6-regimen-13682003.html]. ### Structure of the Debate on Work Hours 1. **Murthy's Advocacy for Longer Hours** - Murthy argues that adopting a 72-hour workweek is crucial for India's economic advancement, similar to China's rapid growth attributed to the 9-9-6 model [https://www.livemint.com/companies/people/narayana-murthy-backs-work-life-balance-indian-workers-what-996-rule-jobs-china-employers-company-72-hour-workweek-news-11763552750265.html]. - He emphasizes that this model is not intended for the general workforce but for a "select group of innovators" [https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-in-india/mohandas-pai-defends-narayana-murthy-72-hour-workweek-comment-9-9-6-is-not-for-ordinary-employees-10375626]. 2. **Public Reaction and Backlash** - The proposal has faced significant criticism from the youth and professionals who argue that such demands are unrealistic and detrimental to mental health and family life [https://www.republicworld.com/business/narayana-murthy-72-hour-week-republic-tv-9-9-6-china-november-2025.html]. - Many have pointed out that the 9-9-6 model is illegal in China, highlighting the potential risks of endorsing such a work culture [https://newsfeel.com/narayan-murthy-wants-indians-to-work-72-hours-with-9-9-6-china-rule-people-say-it-is-illegal-even-in-china]. 3. **Support from Business Leaders** - Some business leaders, like the CEO of Rupifi, have supported Murthy's views, suggesting that a shift in work culture is necessary for India to compete globally [https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/rupifi-ceo-endorses-narayana-murthys-call-for-9-9-6-work-culture-in-india-84478.htm]. ### Evidence and Data Supporting the Discussion - **9-9-6 Work Culture Overview** - The 9-9-6 model involves working 72 hours a week, primarily seen in China's tech sector, which has been linked to both economic growth and significant employee burnout [https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/narayana-murthy-points-to-china-s-9-9-6-rule-to-advocate-72-hour-work-week-101763433094345.html]. - **Health and Well-being Concerns** - Critics argue that such demanding work schedules can lead to negative health outcomes, including stress and reduced family time, which are increasingly important to modern workers [https://www.india.com/business/narayana-murthy-pitches-for-72-hours-work-week-again-citing-chinas-9-9-6-rule-internet-says-also-a-saying-in-europe-8189679]. ### Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Work in India In summary, **Narayana Murthy's call for a 72-hour workweek, inspired by China's 9-9-6 model, has sparked a significant debate about work culture in India**. 1. **Advocacy for Longer Hours**: Murthy believes that longer work hours are essential for economic growth, particularly for innovators [https://www.livemint.com/companies/people/narayana-murthy-backs-work-life-balance-indian-workers-what-996-rule-jobs-china-employers-company-72-hour-workweek-news-11763552750265.html]. 2. **Public Backlash**: The proposal has been met with criticism from the younger workforce, who prioritize work-life balance [https://www.republicworld.com/business/narayana-murthy-72-hour-week-republic-tv-9-9-6-china-november-2025.html]. 3. **Support from Business Leaders**: Some industry leaders endorse the need for a cultural shift to enhance India's global competitiveness [https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/rupifi-ceo-endorses-narayana-murthys-call-for-9-9-6-work-culture-in-india-84478.htm]. As India navigates its economic future, the balance between productivity and employee well-being will be crucial in shaping a sustainable work culture.