The debate over work-life balance has been reignited, this time by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. His recent remarks advocating for a 90-hour work week and even suggesting that employees forgo Sundays have triggered widespread backlash and reignited discussions on workplace culture and employee well-being.
What Happened?
During an interaction with employees concerning L&T’s six-day workweek policy, Subrahmanyan made statements that have drawn both attention and criticism. Referring to time spent at home, he questioned, “How long can you stare at your wife?” and urged employees to prioritize work over personal time.
This follows closely on the heels of a similar controversy sparked by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who suggested that the youth work 70 hours a week to support nation-building. Subrahmanyan, however, took it a step further, proposing an even longer workweek.
Why Did the Chairman Make These Statements?
Subrahmanyan’s comments came in response to a question from L&T’s Chief Communications Officer, Sumeet Chatterjee, about why employees were expected to work on Saturdays. The chairman expressed regret that Sundays couldn’t also be designated as workdays, stating, “If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays.”
He justified his stance with an anecdote involving a conversation with a Chinese individual who claimed that China’s strong work ethic—characterized by 90-hour workweeks—was a key reason for its economic progress. Drawing parallels, Subrahmanyan suggested that Indian employees adopt a similar regime to achieve global success.
Public Backlash
The remarks quickly went viral on social media, particularly after being shared on Reddit. Netizens criticized Subrahmanyan’s views as dismissive of personal lives and a promotion of overwork.
Key criticisms included:
- Dismissal of Work-Life Balance: His comment about “staring at one’s wife” was seen as trivializing personal time.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Critics questioned why highly paid executives with different job pressures expect similar levels of commitment from less-paid employees. Many highlighted the disparity between L&T Chairman’s ₹51 crore annual salary and the median L&T employee salary of ₹9.95 lakh, questioning the fairness of expecting employees to work long hours for comparatively modest compensation.
- Perpetuation of Overwork Culture: Many labeled the remarks as advocating for modern-day “slavery.”
One user remarked, “Another CEO promoting slavery shamelessly,” while others pointed out the health implications of such an exhaustive work schedule.
L&T’s Defense
In response to the criticism, L&T released a statement defending Subrahmanyan. According to the company, his remarks reflect a broader vision of contributing to India’s progress.
“Nation-building is at the core of our mandate,” said an L&T spokesperson. “For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort.”
Work-Life Balance Debate
This incident is part of a broader discussion on work-life balance in India:
- Narayana Murthy’s Advocacy of a 70-Hour Work Week
Earlier, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy suggested that young Indians work 70 hours a week to improve the country’s productivity. This comment also faced criticism for promoting an unsustainable work culture. - Gautam Adani’s View
Adani, in contrast, highlighted the importance of personal choice in determining work-life balance. He argued that individuals should decide how to balance their work and personal lives without external imposition. “Your idea of work-life balance should not be imposed on me and my idea shouldn’t be imposed on you. Say, someone spends 4 hours with family and finds joy in it, or if someone else spends 8 hours and enjoys it, that is their work-life balance.” - Harsh Goenka’s View (Shared on X/ Twitter)
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! - Employee Well-Being Concerns
Studies by organizations like WHO and ILO show that excessive work hours negatively impact mental and physical health. Reports suggest that nearly half of IT employees face mental health issues like depression, while over 55% experience physical health challenges.
Is a 90-Hour Work Week Feasible?
To put Subrahmanyan’s suggestion in perspective:
- A 90-hour work week translates to 15 hours a day for six days or 13 hours daily for seven days.
- Such a regime would significantly reduce personal and family time, raising questions about its impact on employees’ mental and physical well-being.
The feasibility of such a work culture in India, where employee burnout and mental health concerns are already prevalent, remains highly doubtful.
Conclusion
Subrahmanyan’s remarks have reignited crucial debates about work culture in India. While the push for extraordinary results is commendable, it must not come at the cost of employees’ well-being. Achieving a balance between ambition and sustainability is key to long-term success, both for individuals and organizations.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects ongoing debates around corporate work culture. It does not endorse any particular stance or opinion.
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