The debate over work culture in India has resurfaced once again after former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai expressed his support for Narayana Murthy’s earlier remarks advocating a stronger work ethic among the country’s youth. While backing Murthy’s call for higher productivity, Pai clarified that the controversial ‘9-9-6’ work model, interpreted as working from nine in the morning to nine at night, six days a week, is not meant for the general workforce. Instead, he emphasized that such demanding schedules are suitable only for founders and top-level leaders who play a crucial role in shaping new companies.
According to Pai, startup founders often work long hours out of necessity, as building a sustainable business requires significant effort, strategy, and commitment. He pointed out that leadership roles come with greater responsibility, and founders must dedicate substantial time to decision-making, innovation, and team-building. However, he stressed that this intensity should not be imposed on employees, who require a healthy work-life balance to remain productive and motivated over the long term.
Pai further explained that India’s economic growth depends on improving overall productivity but noted that this improvement must come from smarter work practices rather than longer work hours. He suggested that investment in training, technology adoption, and efficient systems can help Indian companies achieve global standards of productivity. According to him, overworking employees can lead to burnout, reduced creativity, and lower output, ultimately harming companies rather than helping them grow.
As the Indian workforce evolves, conversations around employee well-being, flexible hours, and balanced lifestyles have become more prominent. Pai acknowledged that younger workers today prioritize mental health, meaningful work, and personal time, and companies must adapt to these changing expectations. He emphasized that a balanced approach is essential, where companies encourage discipline and accountability while also respecting employees’ boundaries.
Narayana Murthy’s earlier comments had sparked nationwide debate after he suggested that young professionals should work 70 hours a week to help India achieve faster economic progress. Critics argued that such expectations place undue pressure on workers, while supporters said that hard work is necessary for national development. Pai’s latest statement attempts to strike a middle ground by differentiating between the responsibilities of founders and employees.
Industry experts say that India’s work culture must evolve in a way that promotes both ambition and well-being. Companies are increasingly adopting hybrid models, flexible schedules, and mental health policies to build a motivated workforce. At the same time, the competitive global market requires Indian businesses to continuously innovate and deliver high-quality output.
Pai’s remarks highlight the need for a balanced, modern approach to productivity—one that pushes founders to lead with dedication while ensuring that employees have the environment and support needed to perform at their best. As discussions continue, the focus remains on achieving economic growth without compromising the health and sustainability of the workforce.
