The proposal of a 70-hour workweek has ignited fervent debates since Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy put it forward as a strategy to enhance India's productivity in 2024. While some interpret it as a challenge to strive for greater ambition and commitment, others perceive it as a pathway to burnout and a detrimental work environment.

Adding a new perspective to this discussion, an episode of the podcast For a Change, hosted by actor R. Madhavan and released on December 21, 2024, featured neurologist Dr. Sid Warrier. In an engaging dialogue, he articulated the reasons why the experience of long working hours differs significantly between Murthy and his employees.

Impact of stress, not just hours

Dr. Warrier emphasizes that the core issue lies not in the quantity of hours worked, but in whether those hours are perceived as stressful by the brain. He states, "When I am working in my own hospital, I can be there 24/7, but since it is my venture, my brain does not register it as work." He further explains, "For Narayana Murthy, Infosys is his creation. He can dedicate countless hours without feeling exhausted. In contrast, an employee who spends the same amount of time working for someone else may feel that their time is being consumed, which generates stress."

This distinction between work driven by passion and work driven by obligation is what differentiates high-achieving entrepreneurs from fatigued employees. Dr. Warrier asserts that the critical factor is not the total hours worked—whether 40, 50, or 70—but whether the work invigorates or depletes them. He encapsulates this notion succinctly: "It's not truly about work or the absence of work; it's about stress or the absence of stress."

How stress impacts body

The conversation underscores that stress, rather than merely extended hours, is what genuinely affects the body. Dr. Warrier explains that when individuals are forced to work long hours without a sense of purpose or fulfillment, their nervous system can enter a fight-or-flight response, resulting in fatigue, anxiety, and potential health complications.

When individuals are deeply engaged in their work, their bodies tend to remain in a relaxed, parasympathetic state, allowing them to work for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Dr. Warrier emphasizes, "It's not about the hours; it's about the presence of stress."

Working more vs. working smarter

As the discussion evolves, Dr. Warrier advocates for a shift in focus from simply "working more" to "working smarter" and discovering meaning in one's work. Those who are passionate may naturally dedicate long hours without succumbing to burnout, whereas others may require scheduled breaks and a well-defined work-life balance to sustain their effectiveness.

In essence, the critical question is not about accumulating 70 hours of work, but rather whether your job energizes you or depletes your vitality.

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