After Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, Zoho Corporation CEO Sridhar Vembu has reignited the ongoing discussion regarding the need for a 70-hour work week as a means for swift economic advancement. Highlighting East Asian economies such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, Vembu, in a post on X, argued that these nations have thrived due to a deeply ingrained work ethic, which has significantly propelled their economic development.
Highlights
Hard Work and Economic Growth
Vembu remarked, “The rationale behind the 70-hour work week is that it is vital for economic development. If we examine East Asia, specifically Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, these countries have reached their current status through exceptionally intense labour, often imposing harsh working conditions on their own citizens.” He further noted that these countries are now grappling with declining birth rates, prompting governments to encourage citizens to increase family size.
Key Questions Raised
Vembu posed two important questions:
- Is such hard work essential for economic progress?
- Is this kind of development worthwhile if it leads to a “lonely old age” for many people?
Response to the First Question
In addressing the first inquiry, Vembu believes that only a small segment of the population—possibly 2-5%—needs to engage in prolonged working hours to facilitate overall economic advancement. “My response to the first question is that it suffices if merely a small percentage of the populace push themselves hard,” he stated. “It’s important to note the phrase ‘drive themselves’—I align with that view, but I do not wish to impose it on others. A small fraction of the population may commit to extensive labour, and I think that is adequate for widespread economic progress, allowing the remainder of us to maintain a decent work-life balance, which I consider essential,” Vembu reiterated.
Response to the Second Question
Regarding whether a 70-hour work week is justified given potential demographic declines, Vembu is unequivocal in his stance that it is not. “For the second question, the answer is no, it is not worth it. I do not want India to mirror China’s economic achievements at the expense of facing China’s significant demographic downturn (which is already in progress). India is currently at a replacement-level fertility rate (with southern states falling well below that), and further declines to East Asian levels would be detrimental,” Vembu explained. “I firmly believe we can achieve development without condemning ourselves to demographic extinction,” he added.
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