Mumbai, January 10:
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s recent remarks on employee work hours have sparked a nationwide debate, with strong reactions from industry leaders, celebrities, and the public alike. The comments, which suggested that employees should work up to 90 hours a week, including Sundays, have drawn widespread criticism for being out of touch with the modern workplace’s evolving needs, particularly regarding work-life balance and mental health.
In a recent public address, Subrahmanyan made a controversial statement questioning employees’ productivity during their off-hours. He remarked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Come on, get to the office and start working.” The chairman further defended his stance by referencing a conversation he had with a Chinese professional who claimed that China could beat the US due to its citizens working 90-hour weeks, compared to the 50-hour workweeks in the US.
Subrahmanyan’s comments were quickly picked up by the media and went viral on social platforms, leading to an outcry. Many criticized his remarks for being insensitive to employee well-being and for disregarding labor laws. Bollywood actress and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone was among the first to voice her disapproval. She re-shared journalist Faye D’Souza’s post and said, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
In a statement to defend Subrahmanyan’s words, L&T emphasized that the chairman’s comments were driven by the company’s dedication to “nation-building” and “extraordinary efforts” that are needed to achieve extraordinary outcomes. L&T highlighted that their commitment to infrastructure and technological advancement is at the core of their operations, positioning their remarks within a broader national ambition. “At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. Extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort,” the company stated.
However, the defense fell short of quelling the criticism, as industry leaders and individuals continued to push back. Harsh Goenka, Chairman of the RPG Group, also took to social media to express his disapproval. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Goenka wrote, “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave.”
The controversy has also raised broader questions about the workplace culture in India, particularly within large corporations like L&T, and its alignment with modern views on employee rights and well-being. Earlier, Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy had also sparked a similar debate when he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to help drive the nation’s progress.
The debate goes beyond just the words of Subrahmanyan and touches on the heart of India’s work culture. Many argue that such statements, which prioritize long hours over personal well-being, ignore the growing global emphasis on mental health, work-life balance, and productivity. Critics believe that such unrealistic expectations could lead to employee burnout and dissatisfaction, ultimately undermining the very objectives that corporate leaders hope to achieve.
While L&T’s statement emphasized the importance of extraordinary efforts in the pursuit of national progress, the response has only added fuel to the fire. Deepika Padukone, re-sharing L&T’s defense, captioned it, “And they just made it worse…”
As the debate rages on, the comments by Subrahmanyan serve as a reminder of the tensions between ambition and well-being. The ongoing discussion highlights the need for a reevaluation of work culture norms in India, where employees are not only expected to be productive but also to thrive mentally and emotionally.
In conclusion, as voices of discontent continue to rise, the question remains whether companies like L&T will adjust their approach to work expectations, recognizing the importance of sustainable work practices that foster long-term success without compromising employee well-being. The balance between ambition, national progress, and employee health is critical as India’s workforce looks toward a future where both productivity and personal fulfillment are prioritized.
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