L&T HR Head finally breaks silence over 90 hours work week remark of Chairman SN Subrahmanyan says…

While L&T’s leadership defends the intent behind ‘90 hours work week’ remarks, the incident has sparked discussions about work-life balance and labor rights in India’s corporate landscape.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) HR Head Sonika Muralidharan has broken her silence on the ongoing controversy surrounding Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s remarks about a 90-hour work week. In a LinkedIn post, Muralidharan clarified that the statement was taken out of context and emphasized that it was not a directive or a formal suggestion.

L&T Chairman On ‘90 Hours Work Week’

The controversy began when S.N. Subrahmanyan made a statement during an internal meeting, expressing regret over not being able to call employees to work on Sundays. He jokingly asked what people do at home, adding, “How long can you stare at your wife?” He further remarked that to stay ahead globally, one would need to work 90 hours a week. The comments quickly sparked a debate on social media, with many criticizing the suggestion as unrealistic and detrimental to employee health and work-life balance.

L&T HR Head’s Defense

In her post, Muralidharan stated that Subrahmanyan’s words were part of an informal discussion and should not have been interpreted as an order. She defended Subrahmanyan’s leadership style, describing him as a visionary who treats employees like family and prioritizes their welfare.

Muraleedharan said, ‘’His remarks were casual in nature and have been misinterpreted, fuelling a controversy that doesn’t reflect his true intentions.’’

“With nearly five years in this organization and numerous addresses from SNS under my belt, I can personally vouch for his leadership style. He treats every employee as part of an extended family, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that’s rare in today’s corporate world. SNS consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance his demanding professional commitments while creating a nurturing and empowering environment for his team. He always encourages us to embrace innovation, continuously develop our skills, and grow both personally and professionally. Despite his packed schedule, he takes the time to connect with employees and ensure their voices are heard.,” she wrote.

Muralidharan On Chairman Leadership Style 

Muralidharan highlighted that Subrahmanyan regularly interacts with employees, listens to their concerns, and ensures their voices are heard. She called for a better understanding of the context and intent behind his statements before making judgments.

L&T spokesperson Statement

An L&T spokesperson also addressed the issue, clarifying that Subrahmanyan’s comments reflected his vision for India’s growth and the collective effort needed to achieve the country’s development goals.

“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,” said an L&T spokesperson.

Debate Over ‘90 Hour Week’

This is not the first time an Indian business leader’s comments about long working hours have sparked controversy. In 2023, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy faced backlash for suggesting that Indian youth should work 70 hours a week to accelerate the country’s progress.

Muralidharan’s post received mixed reactions on LinkedIn. Some users criticized the remarks, questioning whether a leader unable to spend time with their own family could genuinely value their corporate “family.” Others argued that the chairman should have apologized or acknowledged the need for improvement as an organization.

Several users rejected the notion of a “corporate family,” insisting that workplace discussions should remain professional. They emphasized that while occasional overtime is acceptable, consistent overworking violates ethical and legal standards. Employees working beyond standard hours deserve proper compensation, they argued.

The debate continues to highlight the challenges of balancing ambitious corporate goals with employee well-being.