L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan faced backlash for advocating a 90-hour workweek, expressing regret that employees could not work Sundays. In a Reddit-shared video, he compared Indian work culture to China’s 90-hour norm. Critics questioned the demand for excessive hours from low-paid employees, while L&T defended the remarks as reflecting a commitment to nation-building and extraordinary outcomes.
Chairman Advocates Long Work Hours
SN Subrahmanyan, chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), recently stirred controversy with remarks urging employees to work 90 hours a week. Responding to questions about Saturday work policies, Subrahmanyan expressed regret that employees were not working on Sundays, suggesting their time at home was unproductive.
In a video shared on Reddit, he stated, “If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays.” He also questioned, “How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.”
Citing Chinese Work Culture
During his comments, Subrahmanyan referred to a conversation with a Chinese individual who attributed China’s ability to surpass the U.S. to its workforce putting in 90 hours weekly compared to America’s 50. Subrahmanyan urged employees to adopt a similar dedication, framing long hours as essential for global competitiveness.
Public and Employee Reactions
The remarks sparked heated debates online. Many Reddit users criticized Subrahmanyan’s comments, drawing parallels to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s recent call for a 70-hour workweek.
Some users rejected the emphasis on excessive work hours, with one writing, “I don’t care about competing with China. I want to spend time with my family.” Others highlighted workplace grievances, such as restrictive sick leave policies, while lamenting the private sector’s treatment of employees.
L&T’s Response
In response, L&T defended Subrahmanyan’s comments, emphasizing its role in nation-building. A company spokesperson stated, “For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. Extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort.”
Work-Life Balance in Debate
Subrahmanyan’s remarks reignited conversations about work-life balance in India, sparking debates over whether long hours should be expected in the name of progress. While L&T positions itself as a driver of national development, critics argue that employee well-being must also remain a priority.
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