Indian billionaire's 70‑Hour workweek advice sparks debate. He's British Prime Minister's father-in-law
Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy, who also happens to be the father-in-law of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, thinks young people should work 70 hours a week for the good of the country. His comments have received mixed reactions in the media, but many fellow businessmen support the concept.
Narayana Murthy, an Indian billionaire and founder of the company Infosys (a juggernaut in the technology sector), is better known in the UK as the father-in-law of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. On an Indian television program, he encouraged young people to work 70 hours per week for the wellbeing of their country.
The businessman's statements have stirred great controversy. However, the idea found resonance among... other billionaires. This group includes Sajjan Jindal, who criticizes the "five-day work week culture", arguing that it's unsuitable for a developing country of India's size.
The question remains: what form of sacrifice is being considered? There's a looming likelihood that young Indian citizens may have to bear the brunt of the sacrifice as they work "for the good of the country".
The plight of overwork
Reviewing the plethora of comments online, it's evident that many social media users, including those in Europe, are markedly skeptical of the billionaire's proposition. But it's not just about personal opinions. Statistically speaking, overwork can have fatal consequences.
World Health Organization and International Labor Organization data reveals that between 2000 and 2016, there was a 42% global increase in deaths caused by overwork.
In 2016 alone, an excessive number of working hours per week resulted in the deaths of 745,000 people due to stroke and ischemic heart disease. This data was published in "Environment International" journal.
Working 55 hours or more every week poses a significant health risk, warns Dr. Maria Neira, Director of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health at the World Health Organization.
