New Delhi: Infosys co-founder S.D. Shibulal has spoken in favour of focusing on the quality of work rather than the number of hours spent at the workplace, responding to fellow co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy’s call for a 70-hour work week.

“In my mind, more than time, the quality of time matters,” Shibulal said while addressing a public event organised by the India International Model United Nations (IIMUN). A recording of the interaction was shared by the organisers on Monday.

Emphasising the importance of being fully engaged in one’s work, Shibulal said that individuals must be completely “present” in whatever they are doing. “Right now, I’m sitting here and I have to be present. This is it. I cannot be distracted — not by my cell phone or by any other thoughts,” he said.

Shibulal, who served as Infosys chief executive for three years until 2014, said that decisions around time management ultimately come down to personal choices and priorities. He noted that people have to balance personal, professional and public lives, and how time is divided among these is an individual decision.

However, he stressed that whatever choice one makes, it should be pursued with full commitment. “You have to be 100 per cent there,” he said, adding that being present in the moment is key.

Murthy’s remarks advocating a 70-hour work week had earlier sparked widespread debate, with many disagreeing with his views. The discussion gained further traction after senior leaders at engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro also suggested a 90-hour work week.