An Indian marine technician’s video showcasing Norway’s flexible 7.5-hour workday has struck a chord online, amassing over 1.1 million views and igniting fresh debate over India’s demanding work culture. Posted on November 22, Sachin Dogra’s Instagram video explains how Norwegian companies combine fixed “core hours” for meetings with flexible scheduling that allows employees to work around personal commitments—a stark contrast to the extended shifts common in India.
The viral post arrived just days after Infosys founder Narayana Murthy reignited controversy by endorsing China’s “996” work culture—9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, totaling 72 hours—as a model for young Indians. Speaking to Republic TV around November 17, Murthy argued that such discipline is necessary for India to close its economic gap with global competitors. His remarks drew swift backlash from professionals already stretched thin by long commutes, after-hours messages, and burnout.
Film Industry Joins the Chorus
The work-hours debate has extended beyond tech offices into India’s film industry. Actress Keerthy Suresh provided a detailed breakdown of industry schedules at a November 26 press conference for her film Revolver Rita, explaining that even a standard 9-to-6 shift leaves actors with only six hours of sleep after accounting for early call times, commutes, and evening routines. “When it’s 9 to 9, you might get only five hours’ sleep or even less,” she noted, adding that technicians who arrive earlier and leave later face even harsher conditions.
The conversation intensified after reports that actress Deepika Padukone exited two major projects—Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD‘s sequel—partly due to her insistence on eight-hour shifts following the birth of her daughter. Rashmika Mandanna also weighed in during October, calling overwork “unsustainable” and urging the industry to prioritize health.
A Study in Contrasts
Norway’s approach appears to be paying dividends. The country ranks fifth in the Global Life-Work Balance Index 2025 with a score of 74.20, jumping from ninth place in 2024, thanks partly to extended parental leave policies and an average workweek of just 32.6 hours. It also holds the seventh spot among the world’s happiest nations, with a score of 7.262.
Indian social media users drew pointed comparisons. “Narayana Murthy kindly take a moment to watch this video, there’s something to learn from Norway,” one commenter wrote. Another added: “People in Europe live….we just survive in India”. The contrasts have resonated widely, with many questioning whether productivity truly requires such personal sacrifice—or if healthier boundaries might yield better results.