An undated video of SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), suggesting a 90-hour workweek has sparked widespread debate online.
In the clip, he remarked, “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. What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wife stare at the husband?”
The comments quickly drew backlash on social media, reigniting discussions about work-life balance and mental health, UNB reports.
L&T’s Controversial Clarification
L&T later issued a clarification that only intensified the debate. The statement read:
“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. We believe 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, emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. At L&T, we remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward.”
Similar Remarks from Infosys Co-founder
This incident follows a similar controversy in October 2023, when Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy suggested a 70-hour workweek to help India compete with rapidly growing nations like China and Japan.
Public and Celebrity Backlash
Actor Deepika Padukone expressed her disapproval on Instagram, calling the remarks “shocking” and emphasizing the importance of mental health. After L&T’s clarification, she added, “And they just made it worse…”
Former badminton champion Jwala Gutta also criticized the remarks, stating on X, “Why shouldn’t he stare at his wife? And why only on a Sunday? It’s sad and sometimes unbelievable that educated people in leadership positions dismiss mental health and rest so casually while making misogynistic statements. It’s disappointing and scary.”
Professional and Psychological Perspectives
Industry professionals have weighed in on the debate. Vijetha Shenoy, an HR Business Partner at an IT firm, dismissed the comment as frivolous, suggesting, “He would be better off pursuing a hobby if he has so little to occupy his time.”
Ranjay Kumar, another HR professional, offered a more nuanced view: “The younger generation values work-life balance and prioritizes taking breaks to recharge. However, some professionals willingly commit to longer hours due to job insecurity or financial responsibilities.”
Clinical psychologist Pulkit Kumar highlighted the impact of overworking on mental and physical health. “Chasing goals constantly leads to stress, and we’ve observed rising cases of heart problems, high blood pressure, and diabetes among younger individuals, some in their 20s and 30s. We need to optimize work with AI to support well-being, not compromise it.”
