L&T Clarifies Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s 90-Hour Workweek Remark: Emphasizing Extraordinary Effort for Extraordinary Outcomes

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has found himself at the center of controversy following his comments advocating a 90-hour workweek.

His statements, which also suggested employees should work on Sundays, have triggered widespread criticism, reigniting debates around work-life balance and mental health in the workplace.

The Controversial Statement

During a recent interaction, a video of Subrahmanyan’s comments went viral. In it, he expressed regret over not being able to make employees work on Sundays.

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.”

Adding to the controversy, he questioned why employees spend time at home, saying, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.”

The statement, considered dismissive and misogynistic by many, drew immediate backlash. Critics highlighted the tone-deafness of his remarks, which ignored the importance of mental health and work-life balance in modern workplaces.

Public and Celebrity Backlash

Subrahmanyan’s comments sparked outrage across social media. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone condemned the remarks, reposting them on Instagram with the hashtag #MentalHealthMatters.

She called the statements “shocking” and criticized L&T’s subsequent clarification, commenting, “And they just made it worse.”

Former badminton champion Jwala Gutta also expressed her disappointment, labeling the remarks as “misogynistic” and highlighting their insensitivity toward mental health.

Business leader Harsh Goenka joined the conversation, mocking the idea of renaming Sunday as “Sun-duty” and emphasizing that work-life balance is not optional but essential to avoid burnout.

L&T’s Clarification

In response to the backlash, L&T issued a statement clarifying Subrahmanyan’s remarks.

A company spokesperson stated, “The chairman’s remarks reflect the larger ambition for India, 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.”

The company emphasized its role in nation-building, stating that for over eight decades, it has been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities.

The statement described this as India’s decade—a time demanding collective dedication and effort to achieve the vision of becoming a developed nation.

Broader Implications for Work Culture

The controversy has reignited discussions about work culture in India, where extended work hours are often glorified.

Subrahmanyan’s remarks have drawn comparisons to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s advocacy for a 70-hour workweek and Elon Musk’s belief in 80–100-hour weeks for success.

Such narratives, while promoting ambition, fail to address the detrimental effects of overwork on employees’ mental and physical health.

Studies have consistently linked long working hours to issues like burnout, depression, and even premature death.

The death of a young Ernst & Young employee in 2023 highlighted the dangers of high-pressure work environments, underscoring the need for better work-life balance.

Divided Opinions Among Leaders

Opinions within the business community remain divided on the issue. While some leaders like Shark Tank judge Anupam Mittal support long hours early in one’s career, others strongly oppose such expectations.

Fellow judge Namita Thapar called these demands “a crock of bullsh*t,” arguing that they are unfair to salaried employees.

Tech entrepreneur Daksh Gupta also faced criticism for implementing 14-hour workdays, which many viewed as reinforcing toxic workplace cultures. The divide reflects differing perspectives on how to balance ambition with employee well-being.

L&T’s Leadership Under Scrutiny

Subrahmanyan’s remarks have brought attention to his leadership and compensation. According to L&T’s annual report for FY24, Subrahmanyan earned ₹51.05 crore, which is 535 times the median salary of L&T employees.

This disparity has added another layer to the controversy, with critics questioning the fairness of such expectations from employees who earn significantly less.

The report also noted that L&T’s 59,018 permanent employees had a median salary of ₹9.55 lakh in FY24, with managerial remuneration seeing a 20.38% increase compared to the 1.74% rise for other employees. Such statistics have fueled further debate about equity in the workplace.

Need for a Balanced Approach

As India’s work culture evolves, there is an urgent need to find a balance between ambition and employee well-being.

A 2023 report by the International Labour Organization revealed that South Asia has some of the longest working hours globally. Protests in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka against attempts to extend work shifts highlight the growing discontent among workers.

This controversy underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health and fostering a sustainable work environment. While hard work is essential for progress, it should not come at the expense of employees’ well-being.

Organizations must focus on creating a culture that values both productivity and personal health.