'Not getting distracted by mobiles': Infosys co-founder S D Shibulal on N R Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week

Infosys co-founder S D Shibulal has argued in favour of focusing on the quality of work rather than clocking long hours each week, countering the view recently expressed by fellow co-founder N R Narayana Murthy.

"In my mind, more than time, the quality of time matters," Shibulal said in response to Murthy's suggestions for a 70-hour work week.

"'... right now, I'm sitting here and I have to be present. This is it. I cannot be distracted. I cannot be distracted in my cell phone. I cannot be distracted with (any other) thoughts," he said, while speaking at a public event organised by IIMUN in Mumbai.


Shibulal, who led the company as chief executive for three years until 2014, said the issue ultimately comes down to personal choices and the priorities one sets while managing time.

He noted that individuals juggle personal, professional and public lives, and deciding how to allocate time among them is a matter of individual choice. However, he stressed that whichever path one chooses should be pursued with complete commitment and dedication.

"You have to be 100 per cent there," he said, adding that one has to be "present" in the moment.

It can be noted that Murthy's suggestions had led to a controversy with many disagreeing with his thoughts. Later, the top brass at engineering, procurement and construction major Larsen and Toubro had also suggested a 90-hour work week.