Narayana Murthy, the creator of Infosys, has reiterated his previous demand for extended workweeks, this time using China as an example. The 79-year-old millionaire cited the 9-9-6 guideline that certain Chinese businesses adhere to.
The 9-9-6 rule: what is it?
A work ethic known as the "9-9-6 rule" is frequently linked to certain Chinese tech businesses, especially in the last ten years. It outlines a schedule in which workers are expected to work six days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Workers that adhere to this regulation essentially put in 72 hours a week. However, the approach was heavily criticized for being extremely stressful and demanding, which may have an impact on work-life balance and health.
The 9-9-6 work schedule was banned by the Chinese Supreme Court in 2021. The extent to which the prohibition has been implemented is unclear, though.

Narayana Murthy's remarks regarding the 9-9-6 rule
In an interview with Republic TV, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy cited the 9-9-6 culture as a good model despite the criticism it has received.
In 2023, Murthy's claim that Indians must put in 70 hours a week to improve their country caused a national uproar. This time, he used China as an example to support his position.
"Nine, nine, six is a proverb in China. Do you understand what it means? 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. And that is a 72-hour workweek," he stated on Republic TV, adding that Indian youth have to adhere to the same schedule.

The billionaire went on to say that "get a life and then worry about work-life balance" should come first.
Murthy's comments received a lot of harsh criticism. The lack of overtime compensation in India, the health hazards of working longer hours, stagnate wages, the dangers of focusing life on work, and other issues were among the criticisms leveled.
In Europe, there is a proverb that goes, "10, 5, 5." You understand what it means: five days a week, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They "enjoy" life, go for walks, go hiking, and meet friends, according to X user Akash Tiwari.

"So, are you going to pay by the hour? No. Another person stated, "You want employees to work around the clock so you can transfer shares worth ₹250 crore to your 9-month-old grandson and you pay that employee 3.6 lakhs per year."
A commenter commented, "Fix the jobs, salaries, and basic work conditions first before asking people to work 72 hours."