What a French fine on Infosys reveals about different ways India and Europe think about work

In late July, French labour authorities fined Infosys, a company known for its global presence, €175,000 for inadequate tracking of employee working hours in France. Although the fine may seem insignificant to the company's finances, it highlighted a stark contrast in how France and India approach work hours. Infosys has not disclosed which employees were affected or if a fix is required, but the fine serves as a reminder of the stringent measures France enforces to ensure accurate recording of employee hours.

France's labour law mandates accurate tracking of working hours, including compliance with a 35-hour statutory week, overtime limits, and mandatory rest periods. Employers are required not only to maintain a register but also to demonstrate the trustworthiness of the records if asked. This strict regulation is a stark contrast to India's corporate culture, where long working hours are often considered a virtue.

The debate surrounding work hours has gained traction, particularly after Infosys founder N R Narayana Murthy advocated for 70-hour workweeks. However, this viewpoint is not universally accepted, and research provides evidence of the potential health risks associated with overworking.

Two significant studies shed light on the impact of long working hours. The first, conducted by Frank Pega and a Technical Advisory Group, estimated that in 2016, 488 million people worldwide worked 55 hours or more per week, leading to approximately 745,000 deaths related to ischaemic heart disease and stroke. The second study, conducted by Guruprasad Vinod and Srikant Ambatipudi, surveyed bank employees in Kerala and found that 82.2% showed moderate to high burnout, with longer average daily working hours independently associated with higher odds of burnout and stress.

While both studies suggest a link between long working hours and negative health outcomes, they do not definitively prove causation. They do, however, highlight the need for reliable monitoring of work hours and the potential consequences of sustained overwork. In India, labour laws already limit most employees to nine hours a day and 48 hours a week, with mandated overtime pay and rest days.

However, timekeeping requirements are relatively flexible, allowing for more leniency in work hours compared to France and other countries with stricter regulations. This disparity in regulations highlights the differing perspectives on work hours between India and Europe, where the law plays a significant role in protecting employees' wellbeing.