Opinion What male CEOs like Narayana Murthy don’t get about working women and the youth

Murthy’s hypothesis overlooks a critical component of the workforce – women. The ongoing debate fails to acknowledge the disproportionate burden of work that women carry, which includes domestic, caregiving and professional responsibilities. This phenomenon can be described as the “tetrad hex,” wherein women shoulder the majority of domestic responsibilities and often take on the entire caregiving role for both the elderly and children. In the workplace, they often overcompensate to gain recognition as equals among their peers, even while earning less, perpetuating a vicious cycle of domestic inequity, as they are typically relegated to the secondary income earners at home.

Implementing 70-hour workweeks, without addressing the pre-existing gender disparities, will only exacerbate the challenges faced by women, and compound their burdens. According to “The State of Inequality Report” by the Institute for Competitiveness (April 2022), there is a need to encourage the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) for women, which stands at an “abysmal” 30 per cent. Such a move could prove counterproductive and lead employers to further shut doors to women in the workforce.

Moreover, the idea of a 70-hour workweek appears disconnected from the reality of the lives of most Indians. It fails to account for the time spent commuting, especially for those reliant on public transport. It raises questions about when employees would find time to spend with their families, and it neglects concerns about women’s safety during travel. Not everyone enjoys the same circumstances, responsibilities, or privileges, such as having staff to help with domestic duties.

While hard work and dedication are admirable qualities, advocating longevity of work hours raises legitimate concerns about the potential negative impact on individuals’ physical and mental health. Research has consistently shown that overworking can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and health and mental issues. On the other hand, a balanced work-life approach promotes healthier and more sustainable career growth, allowing individuals to achieve professional success while maintaining their overall well-being. There’s a growing body of evidence indicating that increased happiness correlates with enhanced productivity. As Paul Krugman, noted economist and Nobel laureate, aptly puts it- “Productivity isn’t everything, but in the long run it is almost everything”. Perhaps the focus should be on productivity, rather than on prolonged hours spent in the office.

In a post-COVID work landscape, emphasis is shifting from the quantity of hours worked to the quality of work produced. Many successful organisations are recognising the importance of flexible work arrangements, remote work options, and result-oriented performance. These approaches prioritise outcomes over the traditional hour-based schedules, allowing individuals, particularly women, to balance their professional and personal lives more effectively.

According to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for 2023, Indian workers are already toiling longer hours than their counterparts in many other countries. Indians work even longer hours than their Japanese counterparts – a fact that may come as a surprise to many. Rukmini S of the Centre for Advanced Study of India reveals, based on data from the Time Use Survey conducted in India in 2019, that the average Indian works practically every day of the week. Juxtapose this against the backdrop of the meagre wages that most Indians receive. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2019-20, conducted by the Government of India, indicates that only 10 per cent of Indians earn more than Rs 25,000 a month. Now, consider the impact of these statistics on women, who earn a mere 18 per cent of the total labour income in India, as against 82 per cent which is earned by their male counterparts (World Inequality Report of 2022).

India has a young population, grappling with high unemployment rates. Given this pressing challenge, our priority should be the augmentation of employment opportunities, rather than taxing existing workers which could potentially hinder further job creation. Instead of endorsing extended work hours, leaders and organisations should prioritise fostering a culture of productivity, efficiency, and work-life balance. Flexibility in managing schedules and responsibilities at the workplace can lead to greater job satisfaction, reduced attrition rates and increased productivity. Importantly, it will pave the way for a more egalitarian society, benefiting women both in their domestic and professional spheres.

The writer is practicing advocate and the Founder of JusContractus, an all-women law firm specialising in commercial transactions, arbitration and disputes