L&T Chairman’s Call for 90-Hour Workweek Sparks Outrage and Debate on Work-Life Balance
The Larsen and Toubro (L&T) chairman, S N subrahmanyan, has ignited a firestorm of controversy after advocating for a 90-hour workweek, including Sundays. His remarks, made in an undated video clip, have drawn sharp criticism from public figures, employees, and social media users, reigniting the debate on work-life balance in India’s corporate sector.
In the clip, Subrahmanyan is heard saying, “How long can you stare at your wife? I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays.” The comments quickly went viral, prompting outrage and a subsequent clarification from the company.
The controversy has also brought L&T’s annual reports into focus, notably its emphasis on “prioritising stress management” and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. According to the company’s 2024 annual report, “The Company encourages its workforce to prioritise stress management techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, and seeking support when needed. Counselling,coaching,and sensitisation workshops are also being organised for employees to enable them to handle challenging situations.”
The report further highlights the introduction of a mandatory 10-day leave policy to ensure employees have dedicated time to “rejuvenate and recharge.” This stark contrast between the chairman’s remarks and the company’s stated policies has left many questioning the alignment of leadership priorities with employee well-being.The backlash was amplified when Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone flagged the post on Instagram, stressing the need to safeguard mental health. Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, calling the remarks “reeked of wanting to be the new age slave drivers of India.” Critics have questioned why highly paid CEOs, who face different job pressures, expect the same level of commitment from less-paid employees.
This controversy echoes the 2024 debate sparked by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who urged young professionals to work 70-hour weeks to boost India’s productivity. Subrahmanyan’s call for even longer hours has further fueled discussions on the sustainability of such demands in a country already grappling with high levels of workplace stress.
In response to the backlash, L&T issued a clarification, stating that the chairman’s remarks were made in the context of “extraordinary efforts required for achieving extraordinary outcomes for the nation.” A spokesperson explained,“We beleive this is India’s decade,a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition,emphasising that extraordinary effort.”
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
- L&T Chairman’s Call for 90-Hour Workweek Sparks Outrage and Debate on Work-Life Balance
- The 90-Hour Workweek Proposal: A Sustainable Model?
- Contradictions Between Leadership Remarks and Company Policies
- The Role of Leadership in Shaping Work Culture
- Historical Context: Echoes of Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Workweek Call
- The Ethical Duty of Corporations
- Looking Ahead: Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Chairman’s Remarks | Advocates for 90-hour workweeks, including Sundays. |
| Public reaction | Outrage from employees, celebrities, and politicians. |
| Company Policy | Emphasizes stress management, mindfulness, and mandatory 10-day leave. |
| Clarification | Remarks framed as part of a larger ambition for nation-building. |
| Historical Context | echoes Narayana Murthy’s 2024 call for 70-hour workweeks. |
The debate over work-life balance continues to resonate across India’s corporate landscape, raising critical questions about employee well-being, productivity, and the ethical responsibilities of leadership. As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen how companies like L&T will reconcile their ambitious goals with the need to foster a sustainable and supportive work habitat.
What are your thoughts on the 90-hour workweek debate? Share your views in the comments below.
L&T Chairman’s Call for 90-Hour Workweek Sparks Outrage and Debate on Work-Life Balance
The recent remarks by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S N Subrahmanyan advocating for a 90-hour workweek,including Sundays,have ignited a fierce debate on work-life balance in India’s corporate sector. The comments, which went viral, have drawn criticism from employees, celebrities, and politicians alike. To delve deeper into the implications of this controversy, we spoke wiht Dr. Ananya Rao, a workplace psychologist and expert on employee well-being, to understand the broader context and potential consequences of such demands.
The 90-Hour Workweek Proposal: A Sustainable Model?
Senior Editor: Dr. Rao, the L&T chairman’s call for a 90-hour workweek has sparked significant backlash. From your perspective, is such a work model sustainable, especially in a country like India where workplace stress is already high?
Dr.Ananya Rao: Absolutely not. A 90-hour workweek is not only unsustainable but also detrimental to both physical and mental health. Research consistently shows that prolonged working hours lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and a higher risk of chronic illnesses.In India, where workplace stress is already a pressing issue, such demands could exacerbate mental health challenges and lead to higher attrition rates.Companies must prioritize employee well-being over unrealistic productivity expectations.
Contradictions Between Leadership Remarks and Company Policies
Senior Editor: L&T’s annual report emphasizes stress management, mindfulness, and even a mandatory 10-day leave policy.How do you reconcile these policies with the chairman’s remarks?
Dr. Ananya Rao: This is a classic case of misalignment between leadership rhetoric and organizational policies. While the company’s annual report highlights progressive measures like stress management workshops and mandatory leave,the chairman’s comments undermine these efforts. Such contradictions can create confusion and distrust among employees. Leadership must walk the talk and ensure that their words align with the company’s stated values and policies.
The Role of Leadership in Shaping Work Culture
Senior Editor: What role do you think leadership plays in shaping work culture, especially in large corporations like L&T?
Dr. Ananya Rao: Leadership sets the tone for organizational culture. when leaders advocate for extreme work hours, it sends a message that overwork is not only acceptable but expected. This can create a toxic work environment where employees feel pressured to sacrifice their personal lives for professional success. Leaders must model healthy work habits and prioritize employee well-being to foster a positive and sustainable work culture.
Historical Context: Echoes of Narayana Murthy’s 70-Hour Workweek Call
Senior Editor: This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such demands. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s call for a 70-hour workweek last year also sparked debate. How do you see these recurring calls for longer work hours impacting India’s corporate landscape?
Dr. Ananya Rao: These calls reflect a broader trend of prioritizing productivity over people. While the intention might potentially be to boost economic growth, the approach is fundamentally flawed. Longer work hours do not necessarily translate to higher productivity. Instead, they lead to burnout and disengagement. India’s corporate sector must shift its focus from quantity to quality, emphasizing efficiency, innovation, and employee well-being.
The Ethical Duty of Corporations
Senior Editor: What ethical responsibilities do corporations have toward their employees, especially in high-pressure industries?
dr. Ananya Rao: Corporations have a moral obligation to ensure the well-being of their employees.This includes providing a safe and supportive work environment, reasonable working hours, and access to mental health resources. Companies must recognize that their employees are their most valuable asset and treat them with the respect and care they deserve.ethical leadership is not just about profits; it’s about creating a sustainable and humane workplace.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
Senior Editor: as India aims to become a developed nation, how can companies balance aspiring goals with the need to protect employee well-being?
Dr. Ananya Rao: It’s all about finding the right balance.Companies can achieve ambitious goals without compromising employee well-being by fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and innovation.This includes offering flexible work arrangements, promoting mental health initiatives, and encouraging open dialog. By prioritizing both ambition and well-being, companies can create a win-win situation for themselves and their employees.
Senior editor: Thank you, Dr. Rao,for your insightful perspectives. It’s clear that the debate over work-life balance is far from over,and your expertise sheds light on the path forward.
Dr. Ananya Rao: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue this conversation to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for India’s workforce.
