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Wipro Chairman Stresses Personal Boundaries in Work-Life Balance

• Wipro's Executive Chairman, Rishad Premji, emphasized the importance of work-life balance in a recent chat at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024.
• His views contrast with those of Infosys founder, Narayana Murthy, who recently advocated for a 70-hour work week.
• Premji also addressed the topic of mental health, applauding the growing openness around mental health discussions within organizations.
• His comments come at a time when Indian IT giants are gradually calling employees back to the office while maintaining elements of flexibility.

In a recent fireside chat at the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, Rishad Premji, Wipro's Executive Chairman, shared his perspective on the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in the modern corporate world. His comments have sparked a lively debate in the IT industry, particularly in light of contrasting views expressed by industry veterans like Narayana Murthy, the founder of Infosys. Premji emphasized the importance of individuals taking personal responsibility for defining their work-life balance. He stated, "Work-life balance is incredibly important. I learned this very early in my career, even before COVID-19. Work-life is something you have to define for yourself; So you have to define what it means and draw boundaries." This statement underscores the need for employees to set their own limits, as organizations may not necessarily do it for them.

The Clash of Perspectives

This perspective starkly contrasts with that of Narayana Murthy, who recently advocated for a 70-hour work week and criticized the shift to a five-day workweek in 1986. Murthy expressed skepticism about the concept of work-life balance, a view that stands in sharp contrast to Premji's emphasis on personal boundaries and balance. The global COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered workplace norms, pushing companies towards adopting hybrid work models. Premji acknowledged this shift and highlighted Wipro's approach to this new normal. He said, "The IT industry has largely adopted a hybrid model of work, supported by the government. At Wipro, we encourage flexibility with a two-day in-office workweek. This strikes a balance between professional collaboration and personal flexibility."

Addressing Mental Health and Hybrid Work

Premji's comments reflect a broader debate within the industry about the merits and challenges of hybrid work models. Despite differing views, he reaffirmed Wipro's commitment to enabling flexibility while maintaining productivity, a stance that aligns with the company's broader emphasis on work-life balance. In addition to discussing work-life balance and hybrid work models, Premji also addressed the topic of mental health, an issue that has gained increased attention in the wake of the pandemic. He applauded the growing openness around mental health discussions within organizations and emphasized the importance of creating supportive environments. He said, "It's remarkable and good news that companies are now talking about mental health more openly. At Wipro, we train managers to recognize signs of stress and have open conversations about them. These initiatives are very powerful."

The Changing Dynamics of the IT Industry

Premji's comments come at a time when Indian IT giants, including Wipro, Infosys, and TCS, are gradually calling employees back to the office while maintaining elements of flexibility. His balanced approach contrasts with Narayana Murthy's call for longer work hours, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the industry. By advocating for a work culture that prioritizes balance and mental health, Premji sets an example for businesses navigating post-pandemic challenges. His leadership approach resonates with today's workforce, which is increasingly seeking purpose and well-being alongside professional success.

Historically, the concept of work-life balance has been a contentious issue within the IT industry. The industry, known for its demanding work hours, has often been criticized for its lack of balance. However, the pandemic has forced a reevaluation of these norms, with many companies, including Wipro, leading the way in advocating for more balanced and flexible work models.