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Rishad Premji shared his belief that employees should define their own boundaries when it comes to balancing work and life.
Wipro’s Rishad Premji took a different stance from Infosys’ Narayan Murthy.
In a spirited rebuttal to Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy’s stance on work-life balance, Wipro Executive Chairman Rishad Premji on Tuesday underscored the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and emphasised the value of the hybrid work model. His comments come amid growing debates on the subject, sparked by Murthy’s recent remarks urging a focus on work over personal life.
Narayana Murthy, who has long been a proponent of long working hours, had advocated for a 70-hour work week. He had expressed disappointment over shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek, a change that took place in 1986. Murthy, who frequently downplayed the significance of work-life balance, believed that employees should dedicate themselves to their jobs rather than seek a better personal life outside of work.
However, Rishad Premji took a different stance. In a recent discussion at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024 on November 19, Premji stressed that work-life balance is not only “extremely important” but also a personal responsibility. “Work-life balance means different things to different people. It’s no longer just about office hours; it can even involve how much time you spend on personal activities, like limiting social media,” he explained, offering a modern interpretation of balance that includes time for self-care and personal interests.
Premji shared his belief that employees should define their own boundaries when it comes to balancing work and life. Drawing from his own experience, Premji pointed out that the responsibility for maintaining balance lies with the individual, not the organisation. “Work-life balance is something you must define for yourself; organisations cannot do that for you. You have to decide what it means to you personally and set your own limits,” he added.
The topic became a hot-button issue following Murthy’s remarks, with many voicing criticism. Supporters of work-life balance argued that in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, employees needed time away from work to recharge, spend time with family, and focus on personal development. This was particularly relevant in the tech industry, where long hours have traditionally been seen as a badge of honour but are now increasingly questioned by employees seeking a more fulfilling, balanced lifestyle.
Premji’s comments highlighted a significant shift in attitudes toward work, as hybrid and flexible work models gain traction, offering employees more control over their schedules. This model, which became more widely adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed individuals to work from home part-time while also maintaining office presence, offering a blend of flexibility and structure.
In contrast, Murthy’s call for longer working hours and his criticism of the five-day workweek have sparked a broader conversation about the future of corporate life. Many believe that while dedication and hard work are essential, the importance of mental well-being and personal time cannot be overlooked.
