70-hour work week to sleeping in offices: Golden words on hustle culture from NR Narayana Murthy, Elon Musk, and other billionaires

Work-life balance is the buzzword these days and ample studies have shown how GenZ prefers a job which is flexible in terms of timings. In January this year, a study conducted by Randstad revealed that workers prioritise work-life balance over salary when evaluating potential job opportunities. According to the study, 57 percent of employees would reject a job offer if it negatively impacted their work-life balance.

However, even though employees want greater work-life balance, there have been billionaires who disagree with the concept and promote hustle culture instead. From advocating for longer work hours to dismissing the idea of balance altogether, these tech leaders have taken stances that have often stirred the hornet's nest.

NR Narayana Murthy: Advocating 70-Hour work weeks

Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy made headlines in October 2023 when he suggested that young people in India should be prepared to work 70 hours a week. Speaking on 3one4 Capital's podcast "The Record," Murthy argued that such an intense work ethic is necessary for India to improve its productivity and compete on the global stage. His remarks sparked a wide-ranging debate online, with some agreeing that increased effort is required to drive progress, while others criticised him for promoting an unsustainable work culture.

Alexis Ohanian: Dismissing work-life balance as a farce

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian also shared his views on work-life balance, which he dismisses as an unrealistic ideal. In an August 2023 Twitter thread, Ohanian said that work-life balance is a "farce" and that trying to achieve it is misguided. Instead, he emphasised the importance of knowing when to prioritise work and when to focus on personal life, suggesting that balance is more about shifting priorities rather than achieving a perfect equilibrium.

Jeff Bezos: Rejecting the trade-off

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has long been a critic of the term "work-life balance." Speaking at an event in 2018, Bezos explained that he finds the concept debilitating because it implies a trade-off between work and life. He said that he prefers to view it as a "circle" where both aspects are interconnected. In earlier interviews, Bezos had mentioned that his happiness at work positively influences his personal life, and vice versa, suggesting that the two are more intertwined than balanced.

Elon Musk: Sleeping in offices

Elon Musk, known for his demanding work ethic, has also been vocal about his approach to work-life balance—or the lack thereof. During the 29th Annual Baron Investment Conference in 2022, Musk revealed that he used to live in his factories and would sleep on the floor to show his commitment to his work. He believed that demonstrating his dedication in such a visible way would inspire his employees to work harder. Musk has also been critical of what he perceives as a declining work ethic in America, contrasting it with the intense dedication he observes among workers in China.

Jack Ma: Endorsing China's "996" work culture

Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma had expressed support for China's controversial "996" work schedule, which involves
working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. In 2019, Ma referred to the "996" culture as a "huge blessing" for
young workers, arguing that the opportunity to work such hours is something to be grateful for, especially if one is passionate about their job. He downplayed concerns about overwork, suggesting that those who love their work won't find such hours burdensome.