In the fast-paced world of startups and innovation, the debate on optimal work hours continues to stir diverse opinions among industry leaders. Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has once again raised his voice to support Narayan Murthy’s proposal for a 70-hour workweek.
According to Aggarwal, the concept of the work-life balance is influenced by the West. However, he believes that employees who are happy at the workplace will always find joy in their personal life.
Supporting Narayan Murthy, Ola CEO suggests youths devote work more time to work. “We belong to the generation who did not struggle to get the basic things done in our lives. We are fortunate enough to have basics in our lives. Hence, it is our responsibility to work towards making India strong and number one country in the world,” said Aggarwal in an interview with ANI.
According to Aggarwal, a stronger work ethic is essential to maintain a competitive edge.
This endorsement from one of India’s foremost entrepreneurs adds a new dimension to the ongoing discussion about work culture and productivity in the tech industry. Here’s why Aggarwal believes that a longer workweek could be the key to unlocking unprecedented growth and innovation.
In October last year, Murthy sparked a huge debate in the country when he suggested that India’s work culture needs to change and that youngsters should be prepared to work 70 hours a week.
His opinion led to a divided opinion among entrepreneurs including Shark Tank fame Namita Thapar, Anupam Mittal, Mukesh Bansal, founder of CureFit, and Myntra among others.
The debate over the 70-hour workweek reflects broader questions about the future of work, productivity, and employee well-being. While some see extended hours as necessary for economic and technological advancement, others advocate for balanced, flexible approaches that prioritise worker health and satisfaction.