Larsen & Toubro (L&T) recently found itself at the center of a storm after its chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, advocated for a 90-hour workweek, sparking intense criticism.
Defending his controversial remarks, the company issued a statement emphasizing the need for extraordinary efforts to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
“We believe this is India’s decade,” L&T stated, underscoring the collective dedication required to propel the nation toward becoming a developed economy.
“The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition,” the company added, highlighting L&T’s long-standing commitment to nation-building.
“Nation-Building at Our Core”
ALSO READ: Government official loses job for hiding third child, violating State’s two-child policy
L&T, known for shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological landscape for over eight decades, reiterated its ethos of blending passion, purpose, and performance.
“At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. We remain committed to fostering a culture that drives progress,” the company said.
Controversial Remarks Stir Debate
The controversy began during an employee interaction when Subrahmanyan suggested employees should work 90 hours a week and even on Sundays.
A video of his comments quickly went viral.
“If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be happier because I work on Sundays too,” he said.
Taking his point further, he asked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife, and how long can your wife stare at you? Come on, get to the office and start working.”
Subrahmanyan drew comparisons to global work habits, claiming that Chinese workers often put in 90-hour weeks while American workers average 50 hours.
He warned that China’s relentless work ethic might soon enable it to surpass the United States.
Building on Narayana Murthy’s Workweek Formula
Subrahmanyan’s push for a 90-hour workweek goes beyond the 70-hour workweek suggestion by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy.
Murthy has consistently defended his stance, stating that hard work is essential to making India a global leader.
He previously expressed disappointment over India’s transition from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986, which he viewed as a step back in productivity.
Social Media Uproar and Criticism
Subrahmanyan’s remarks drew sharp criticism on social media.
Many users found his comments tone-deaf and offensive, particularly his quip about staring at one’s spouse.
One user sarcastically remarked, “How long can employees stare at screens and overbearing managers?”
Another user labeled the chairman’s remarks as sexist and dismissive of family life.
“Very irresponsible use of words by the L&T chairman… Statements like ‘how long will you stare at your wife’ are not only anti-family but also disrespectful to personal choices,” they wrote.
Deepika Padukone Weighs In
The backlash extended beyond social media, with Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone joining the discussion.
Padukone criticized the chairman’s comments for ignoring the importance of mental health.
“Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements.
#mentalhealthmatters,” she wrote in an Instagram story.
Work Culture vs. Mental Health
This incident has reignited debates about work culture in India, where balancing ambition with mental health and personal well-being remains a challenge.
The proposal for extended work hours, whether from Subrahmanyan or Murthy, reflects a broader aspiration for economic growth but also raises concerns about burnout and quality of life.
Historically, India has seen shifts in work culture tied to its economic trajectory.
The move to a five-day workweek in 1986 symbolized a step toward modern labor policies.
However, recent calls to extend working hours evoke comparisons to pre-industrial labor practices, raising questions about progress versus productivity.
