L&T defends chairman's 90-hour workweek remark amid mixed reactions

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's recent remarks encouraging employees to work 90 hours a week, including Sundays, have sparked widespread criticism on social media.

Responding to the backlash, L&T clarified on Friday that the Chairman’s comments were meant to reflect the company's broader commitment to nation-building and the extraordinary efforts required to achieve ambitious goals.

In a viral video addressed to employees, Mr. Subrahmanyan remarked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Go to the office and start working."

He also expressed regret about not being able to make employees work on Sundays, adding, “Honestly, I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sundays. I will be happier if I can make you work on Sundays, because I work on Sundays too.”

A company spokesperson defended the Chairman’s statements, emphasizing L&T’s legacy of over eight decades in shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological landscape.

“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 spokesperson stated.

The company reiterated its commitment to fostering a workplace culture driven by passion, purpose, and performance.

In the same video, Mr. Subrahmanyan referenced a conversation with a Chinese professional, highlighting China’s work ethic as a potential factor in surpassing the United States.

According to Mr. Subrahmanyan, the Chinese individual claimed, “Chinese people work 90 hours a week, while Americans work only 50 hours a week.”

The video drew sharp reactions online, with many netizens criticizing the comments and comparing them to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s recent call for employees to work 70 hours a week. On platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), users voiced concerns about excessive work expectations and the neglect of work-life balance.

Among those who weighed in was industrialist Harsh Goenka, Chairperson of the RPG Group.

Taking to X, he posted, “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! #WorkSmartNotSlave.”

The remarks also caught the attention of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, among other notable figures, further fueling the conversation about workplace culture and the importance of balance in professional and personal lives.