L&T Chairman’s 90-Hour Work Week Pitch Sparks Controversy and Corporate Reactions

The corporate world is abuzz following Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's statements arguing for a 90-hour work week. In a now-viral video, Subrahmanyan questioned the necessity of people working from home, asking, "How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, come to the office and start working!"

His comments, including a wish to have staff work on Sundays, have sparked outrage on social media for disrespecting work-life balance. While L&T defended his views, claiming they reflect the company's desire to contribute to national development, many have expressed worries about employee well-being and sustainable work methods.

Prominent corporate leaders chimed in on the debate. Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, said playfully, "My wife is wonderful, and I love staring at her." Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla chimed in, saying, "Even my wife Natasha thinks I'm wonderful; she loves staring at me on Sundays," underlining the importance of quality over quantity in the workplace.

Subrahmanyan's views, notably his stance on weekend employment, have rekindled debates over corporate culture and the significance of combining professional ambition with family life. Overwork, critics believe, leads to burnout and lower productivity, whilst proponents of strict schedules regard it as a requirement for reaching spectacular results.

This argument highlights the changing expectations of employees in modern businesses, with work-life balance emerging as a top priority. The backlash serves as a reminder for firms to link their goals with practices that value their employees' well-being, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of people's personal life.

Source : Hindustan Times