From Hustle to Harmony: After Murthy's 70-Hour Call, Infosys Now Backs Work-Life Balance

Infosys encourages its staff to have a healthy work-life balance. According to reports, the tech giant has launched an internal campaign where HR is monitoring how much time employees spend working in the office and reminding them to adhere to regular working hours, particularly when working remotely.

Employees whose registered working hours are over the usual threshold are even receiving customised emails from the corporation reminding them to follow regular schedules and take care of their health.

An employee whose average monthly working hours are above the statutory 9.15 hours per day, five days a week, receives health reminder letters from the company's human resources department, according to a media report.

These emails give information about the employee's remote work schedule and stress the value of preserving work-life balance.

 The emails also contain information about the employee's average number of hours worked per day, the number of days they worked remotely, and the overall number of hours they clocked in.

Putting a Check on Employees’ Health

The emails include a clear reminder to staff members to maintain a healthy work-life balance and take care of their health. According to the organisation, it is crucial for both long-term professional efficacy and personal well-being.

Employees at Infosys are also encouraged to take regular breaks, voice concerns if they feel overburdened, assign tasks when necessary, and unplug from work after hours in order to refuel.

One such email advised avoiding work-related interactions if feasible and taking some time to rest during downtime. According to reports, this new attempt to put employee health first was implemented following Infosys' adoption of a mixed work style.

Employees must work from the office at least ten days a month as a result of the company's November 20, 2023, return-to-office policy. Since then, HR departments have started keeping track of how much time workers spend working remotely.

Employees’ Health a Major Issue in the IT Sector

Poor sleep, irregular meals, and overworking are causing an epidemic of health problems among professionals, particularly heart-related disorders. This campaign comes at a time when these problems are becoming more prevalent.

 With more than 323,000 employees, Infosys is now proactively addressing these risks. The HR department at Infosys recently sent out a note to the staff saying that, although the firm values their dedication, it also thinks that a good work-life balance is essential for their long-term career success and general well-being.

But Infosys' new position goes against what co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy argued for only a year ago. Speaking at the centenary commemoration of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, Murthy stated that if India wishes to become a global superpower, young Indians must put in more effort.

He pointed to the 800 million Indians who live below the poverty line and questioned, "If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?" In 1986, Murthy openly criticised India for switching to a five-day workweek, claiming he had never supported the change.

"I don't believe in this concept of work-life balance," he declared at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit in November of last year, adding that sacrifice and unrelenting effort will be necessary for true growth.

His remarks caused controversy and division among professional generations. Critics questioned if such expectations are healthy and sustainable in India's fast-paced IT sector, even as many praised his accomplishments and work ethic.