In a decisive move reflecting changing workplace values, Infosys has issued internal guidance encouraging its employees to steer clear of excessive work hours and instead focus on personal well-being and a healthy work-life balance.
This development comes in sharp contrast to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s recent comments, which sparked widespread debate after he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to accelerate the country’s progress.
While Murthy’s comments were positioned as a call for national productivity and stronger work ethics, many professionals and corporate leaders criticized the idea, calling it outdated and potentially harmful to mental health. Infosys’s internal communication marks a clear departure from that stance.
According to sources within the company, employees were reminded that:
Well-being is a priority in the company’s evolving work culture
Overtime is discouraged, especially if it impacts physical or mental health
Output and efficiency matter more than long hours
This move also aligns Infosys with broader global trends, where many companies are focusing on employee retention, mental health support, and flexible work models post-pandemic.
Industry Reactions
Infosys’s stand has been widely praised by professionals across the IT and tech industries. Many see it as a refreshing move from a major Indian company that not only values productivity but also recognizes human limits.
A senior industry analyst noted, “This could signal a shift in India’s tech sector away from hustle culture and toward a more balanced, sustainable approach to work.”
Employees Respond
Early reactions from Infosys employees have been largely positive, with many welcoming the company’s efforts to create a more supportive and humane work environment.
One employee shared anonymously, “It’s encouraging to know the company cares about us beyond deadlines. Productivity doesn’t mean burnout.”
Looking Ahead
With Infosys setting the tone, other major players in India’s tech space may feel increased pressure to adopt similar people-first policies. In an era where talent retention and mental health are critical to business success, companies are realizing that working smarter—not longer—is the future.
July 1 – September 12, 2025 | “Our Flexible Summer” Initiative
Dubai is setting a new benchmark for workplace flexibility and employee well-being with the launch of its innovative four-day summer workweek. Running from July 1 through September 12, 2025, this groundbreaking program is a key component of Dubai’s “Our Flexible Summer” initiative, supporting the broader goals of the Year of Community 2025.
🏛 Expanding on Success: A City-Wide Government Shift
Following a highly successful pilot in 2024, the initiative now rolls out to 21 government departments across Dubai, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s commitment to modernizing the public sector and prioritizing quality of life.
🕘 Two Flexible Work Models
To suit different departmental needs and employee preferences, two distinct shift models have been introduced:
Model 1:
Workdays: Monday to Thursday
Hours: 8 hours per day
Friday: Full day off
Model 2:
Workdays: Monday to Friday
Hours: Reduced hours Monday to Thursday
Friday: Half-day schedule
Both models are designed to encourage rest, family time, and overall wellness while maintaining high productivity and public service standards.
💡 More Than Time Off – It’s a Lifestyle Shift
Under the banner of the “Year of Community”, the flexible workweek reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking leadership and people-first governance. The goal is to nurture a culture where employees thrive—at work, at home, and in their communities.
Benefits of the initiative include:
Improved work-life balance
Increased employee morale and mental health
Better family engagement during the summer months
Enhanced productivity and job satisfaction
💬 A Call to the Private Sector
Government officials are also encouraging private sector organizations to consider adopting similar flexible models. With global trends leaning toward shorter workweeks and remote work options, Dubai aims to lead the way regionally in progressive workplace reform.
“Our goal is to empower our employees to perform at their best while giving them the flexibility to lead fulfilling lives outside of work. This initiative is just one step in making Dubai not only a great place to work—but to live.” — Dubai Government Media Office
A Pawsitive Move Toward Innovation, Sustainability, and Employee Happiness
In an innovative blend of technology, sustainability, and office culture, Harvesting Robotics, a pioneering company developing sustainable laser-weeding technology for farmers, has announced the appointment of Denver, a Golden Retriever, as their official Chief Happiness Officer (CHO). This unique and heartwarming decision highlights the company’s commitment not only to agricultural innovation but also to employee well-being and a positive work environment.
Empowering Farmers with Sustainable Technology
At the core of Harvesting Robotics’ mission is the development of cutting-edge, laser-based weeding technology. Designed to help farmers reduce their reliance on harmful chemicals, the technology targets weeds with precision, eliminating them without damaging crops or the environment. As the agricultural industry moves toward more sustainable practices, Harvesting Robotics is at the forefront of this revolution, offering farmers a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional weeding methods.
However, while the company is dedicated to transforming farming practices globally, they also recognize that a happy, engaged team is key to driving their innovative solutions. That’s where Denver comes in.
Why Denver? A Furry Addition to a Forward-Thinking Company
In a statement, Harvesting Robotics’ CEO, Jane Mitchell, explained, “Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about the people behind the tech. We believe that happy employees are more productive, creative, and engaged. Denver, with his endless energy and infectious enthusiasm, is the perfect choice to help us foster a positive, stress-free, and enjoyable work environment.”
Denver, who was adopted by the company’s founder, Mark Thomas, has quickly become a beloved presence in the office. Known for his gentle demeanor and playful personality, Denver has a natural ability to lift spirits, make everyone smile, and bring an added sense of joy to the workplace.
The Role of Chief Happiness Officer
As CHO, Denver’s primary role is to boost morale, improve employee well-being, and promote a healthy, happy workplace culture. His responsibilities include:
Stress Relief: Providing comfort and companionship during busy workdays. Whether it’s a quick cuddle or a playful romp in the office garden, Denver is always ready to help employees unwind and recharge.
Team Building: Encouraging social interaction and strengthening team bonds by being the focal point of informal office activities, such as dog-friendly lunches and playtime breaks.
Boosting Productivity: Research shows that pets in the workplace can lower stress levels, improve mood, and even increase productivity. Denver’s presence is a constant reminder of the company’s commitment to creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Denver will also be part of Harvesting Robotics’ outreach initiatives, helping raise awareness about the benefits of work-life balance, animal welfare, and the importance of creating pet-friendly workspaces.
Employee Reactions: A Paw-esome Decision
Since Denver’s appointment, employees have shared glowing feedback about the positive impact he’s had on their workdays. Many report feeling more relaxed and energized, especially during high-pressure moments when Denver’s calming presence brings much-needed joy.
Samantha Patel, a software engineer at Harvesting Robotics, said, “Denver is the best office companion. Whenever I’m stuck on a tough coding problem, taking a break to play with him helps me clear my mind and return to work with fresh ideas.”
David Brooks, a project manager, added, “Having Denver in the office has made a huge difference in how we all collaborate. It’s a great reminder that work isn’t just about the tasks at hand, but also about fostering an atmosphere of support, positivity, and community.”
A Future of Sustainability and Happiness
Harvesting Robotics’ decision to appoint a Chief Happiness Officer is a testament to their forward-thinking approach—where technology and well-being coexist harmoniously. As the company continues to develop sustainable solutions for farmers, it’s clear that fostering a work culture rooted in happiness is just as important as fostering environmental sustainability.
With Denver leading the charge in employee morale, Harvesting Robotics is setting an inspiring example of how businesses can combine cutting-edge innovation with a people-first mentality. As they continue to grow, one thing is clear: this is a company that knows how to cultivate both a sustainable future and a happy, healthy workforce.
Vedanta Sesa Goa, marked the 54th National Safety Week (NSW) with a series of impactful activities aimed at further strengthening its safety protocols & commitment to conduct safe & responsible operations. The seven-day commemoration of the 54th NSW was held as part of the ‘Safety is Us’ initiative of the Company, which aims to render workplace safety inviolable through enhanced consciousness & a sense of collective responsibility.
The theme for this year’s NSW – “Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat” – underscores the importance of safety and well-being in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation. Throughout the week, several awareness sessions, safety demonstrations, safety drills, and interactive quizzes are planned to educate employees and business partners about safety best practices. The safety pledge, taken on the inaugural day, reinforced Vedanta’s focus on ensuring a safe and secure work environment for all. On the occasion, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO of Sesa Goa, Vedanta Limited, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering a safety-first culture, stating, “At Sesa Goa, we are proud of our safety focus & we go by the concept of ‘Safety is Us’, where it is adhered to and implemented as a way of our regular functioning & through collective responsibility. I firmly believe that a proactive mindset, collective participation, adherence to protocols, onboarding technology, prompt reporting & recording & an ability to continuously assess our processes, will ensure that the workplace is always safe & secure. Let us continue to build a workplace where safety is ingrained in everything we do, contributing to the aims of #Viksit Bharat.”
Speaking on Vedanta VAB’s proactive safety initiatives, Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO – VAB & Cement, stated,” At Vedanta VAB, safety is at the core of our business philosophy. We are constantly working towards strengthening our safety framework to set new industry benchmarks through innovation, robust safety audits and mock drills and Critical Risk Management. We are currently focused on digital interventions with artificial intelligence (AI tools), only to reduce man-machine interaction & create a safe workplace. We are fully committed to upholding the highest safety standards at our workplace and extending this culture of safety and care to our community as well.” Sagar Parabh, Mechanical Fitter, VAB, expressed his thoughts saying “At Vedanta Sesa Goa, safety is not just about rules; it’s about going home to our families every day. National Safety Week reminded us that every small action—wearing protective gear, following procedures, and looking out for each other—makes a difference. The hands-on drills and real-life safety scenarios were eye-opening, making us feel more prepared and confident. There is a robust system of feedback which ensures that safety protocols are adhered to. Knowing that our well-being is a priority gives me and my team the motivation to work responsibly every day.” Vedanta Sesa Goa has operations spread across five states and has been regularly upgrading its safety protocols to ensure that operations are conducted in a safe & responsible manner. It has recently inducted AI cameras, Slope Safety Radars and specially curated software’s to improve upon the implementation & reporting of safety protocols. The company continues to integrate cutting-edge safety measures and digital interventions to enhance safety performance and build a culture where safety is a shared responsibility.
