The conversation around the 9-9-6 work culture has intensified once again after Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy repeated his call for a 72-hour workweek. His remarks, made during a television interview, sparked another round of discussion on how much people should work and how nations measure productivity. Moreover, the comment revived comparisons with China’s once-dominant model of long working hours.
Understanding the 9-9-6 work culture
For years, the 9-9-6 work culture shaped the daily routine of Chinese tech employees. Under this schedule, people worked from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week. Many business leaders praised this rhythm, claiming it helped companies grow rapidly. However, the system also drew strong criticism. Workers reported burnout, declining health, and even cases of collapse due to extreme pressure. As concerns increased, many young professionals began leaving major cities in search of a more balanced lifestyle.
Why murthy brought it up
During his interview, Murthy argued that India needs more hard work to progress. He said that before discussing work-life balance, individuals should focus on improving their lives. He also shared observations from Catamaran employees who had visited China and noticed how deeply rooted the 72 hour work culture once was. According to him, nations succeed only when they put in extraordinary effort.
China moves away from the 9-9-6 work system
Despite its past popularity, China outlawed the 9-9-6 work culture in early 2021. Courts ruled such schedules illegal after public backlash and worker protests grew stronger. Today, Chinese labour laws cap the standard workday at eight hours and limit weekly work to 44 hours. Additional overtime is allowed but strictly regulated to prevent excessive workloads.
A continuing conversation
Murthy’s latest remarks have reopened an important debate. While some agree that productivity demands discipline, others believe the lessons from China show the risks of pushing employees too far. As India’s workforce evolves, the discussion around the work culture and its relevance is likely to continue.
