Mohandas Pai, former CFO of Infosys and chairman of Aarin Capital, has been embroiled in the row over grueling workweeks, calling the upheaval a “waste of air time”. Responding to economist Sanjeev Sanyal's criticism of excessive working hours, Pai dismissed the controversy by arguing that no one is forced to adopt such practices.
“CEOs had their say. It is their opinion, not a norm or compulsion,” he wrote in X.
The debate, which gained traction after L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan proposed a 90-hour work week and questioned “how long can you look at your wife”, has drawn sharp reactions from industry heads and economists.
Sanyal criticized the idea of excessive working hours, highlighting their counterproductive effects. “Implementation of this as a norm creates moral hazard,” Sanyal tweeted, referring to industries like investment banking where employees often misuse time under the guise of work. “Few endure these hours, but even they burn,” he added.
Pai echoed Sanyal's sentiments, insisting that such comments by CEOs should not be taken as mandate.
The backlash against longer workweeks drew responses from other industry leaders. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, emphasized the importance of quality over quantity of work. “This debate is going in the wrong direction. In 10 hours you can change the world,” Mahindra said.
Former HCL CEO Vineet Nair also criticized the glorification of endless working hours. “A busy life drains energy, creativity and purpose,” says Nayar, adding that a balanced approach is key to sustained productivity.
The controversy erupted in October 2023 when Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy suggested that young professionals should work 70 hours a week to compete globally.
While Murthy's claims gained some support, many argued that the overwork culture undermined well-being and productivity.