New Delhi: The debate over Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy's suggestion of a 70-hour workweek continues, with neurologist Dr. Sid Warrier offering a fresh perspective on stress and productivity.

Speaking on actor R. Madhavan's podcast For a Change, released on December 21, Dr. Warrier argued that long working hours affect individuals differently based on their perception of stress. He noted that entrepreneurs like Murthy, deeply invested in their ventures, may not experience exhaustion, whereas employees working similar hours for others may feel drained.

“The key factor isn't the number of hours but whether the brain perceives them as stressful,” he said. “For Murthy, Infosys is his passion, so working long hours doesn't feel like a burden. But an employee doing the same might feel their time is being taken away, which creates stress.”

Dr. Warrier explained that prolonged stress pushes the nervous system into a fight-or-flight state, leading to fatigue and anxiety. In contrast, those passionate about their work remain in a relaxed state, enabling them to sustain longer hours without burnout.

Highlighting the need for a shift in focus, he stated, “It's not about working more but working smarter. The real issue is whether work energises or exhausts an individual.”

As discussions around Murthy's remarks persist, experts emphasize the importance of work-life balance and purpose-driven productivity.