In the business world, working long hours is often seen as a badge of honor.
Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy has recently stirred the pot again by advocating for a 70-hour workweek for young Indian workers, arguing that this is the way to drive India’s economic growth.
However, is spending more time at work really the secret to success, or is it simply a path to burnout and diminishing returns?
In this blog, we’ll break down the facts, share some powerful insights, and show how working smarter can lead to better results, without burning out.
1. The Global Debate: More Hours Doesn’t Mean More Results
Murthy’s stance on long work hours echoes the idea that hard work equals success.
However, if we look at global data, we see that the number of hours worked isn’t always linked to economic prosperity.
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According to Our World in Data, countries like India and Bangladesh already work more hours than the West but have a lower GDP per capita. In fact, India’s GDP per capita stands at $6,711, with workers averaging 2,123 hours per year, while Germany and the USA, with fewer work hours, have much higher GDPs.
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Murthy's comparison to China, where the average worker logs 2,169 hours per year, is misleading, as China's GDP per capita is over $14,000. Hours worked alone don’t guarantee growth. The quality of work and work culture matter much more.
Jugl App can help businesses improve quality over quantity, by providing tools that automate tasks and enhance communication, allowing your team to focus on what matters most.
2. The Hidden Costs of Overworking: Health and Well-being
Overworking doesn’t just impact productivity - it takes a serious toll on employee health.
Long working hours are linked to burnout, depression, and anxiety, which ultimately hurt business outcomes.
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), working more than 55-60 hours per week can lead to adverse health effects, including heart disease and stroke. In fact, overwork contributes to a 35% higher risk of stroke and 17% higher risk of heart disease.
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The ILO (International Labour Organization) estimates that 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to mental health struggles, causing a global economic loss of $1 trillion. That’s a huge cost to businesses that don’t prioritize well-being.
With Jugl App, businesses can automate repetitive tasks and delegate work efficiently, helping employees maintain a healthier work-life balance and improving overall productivity.
3. Quality Over Quantity: Focus on Smart Work
The idea that working more hours equals higher productivity is a myth. Research has shown that working longer hours often reduces productivity due to mental fatigue and decreased focus.
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Stanford University research revealed that working more than 49 hours a week results in a decrease in productivity. In fact, working longer hours often leads to higher rates of errors and lower-quality work.
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Studies have shown that employees who work 40 hours or less tend to be more focused, leading to higher-quality output and fewer mistakes. So, it's not about the hours worked; it's about working efficiently.
Jugl App empowers employees by reducing manual tasks and enabling them to focus on high-value work.
Automated workflows and real-time tracking allow businesses to achieve maximum productivity without extending work hours.
4. Work-Life Balance: The Key to Long-Term Success
While some business leaders still argue for longer work hours, many modern companies understand that work-life balance is key to sustainable productivity.
Employees need time to recharge in order to perform at their best.
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McKinsey reports that businesses that prioritize work-life balance experience 22% higher productivity than those that don’t.
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Studies show that employees who work flexible hours are 25% more productive and 30% less likely to quit their jobs.
In addition, a Harvard Business Review study found that employees with a balanced life tend to be more innovative and contribute better ideas to their organizations.
Jugl App helps businesses achieve a work-life balance by streamlining operations and automating repetitive tasks, reducing the need for excessive work hours and improving employee engagement and satisfaction.
5. The Power of Efficient Time Management
One of the biggest challenges of working longer hours is poor time management. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being busy but not productive. Time management is the key to working smarter, not longer.
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A Deloitte survey found that 70% of workers admit to spending their time on low-value tasks that don’t impact their performance. If time is spent wisely on high-impact tasks, businesses can increase productivity by 25%.
Jugl App offers task management features that help prioritize important tasks and reduce time spent on less critical activities.
With real-time data tracking and automated workflows, Jugl helps businesses make the most of their employees’ time.
6. Redefining Success: Less Is More
As global companies shift towards flexible working hours, it’s clear that productivity isn’t about the number of hours worked - it’s about efficiency, focus, and employee well-being.
Success today is about achieving more in less time, not overloading employees.
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Iceland conducted a 4-day workweek trial that resulted in higher productivity, improved employee happiness, and fewer sick days. The trial proved that employees could still meet deadlines and goals while working fewer hours.
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New Zealand’s trial with Microsoft led to a 40% increase in productivity and a 28% increase in employee satisfaction.
Instead of forcing employees to work longer hours, businesses should focus on smart work, automation, and employee well-being.
Jugl App allows businesses to automate routine tasks, manage workloads efficiently, and ensure that employees can work at their best without being overworked.
By reducing manual tasks, Jugl helps businesses operate more effectively and efficiently.
Conclusion: Working Smarter, Not Longer
In the ongoing debate about the 70-hour workweek, it’s clear that working longer doesn’t necessarily result in better outcomes.
Quality work, efficiency, and employee well being are the true drivers of success.
By embracing smart work, automation, and work life balance, businesses can improve productivity, reduce burnout, and ensure sustainable success.
Jugl App helps businesses achieve this balance by providing automated workflows, real time tracking, & task management, so you can work smarter, not longer.
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see how Jugl can help you transform your work culture and boost productivity without burning out.
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