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‘How long will you stare at wife?’: L&T Chairman’s proposal for 90-hour work weeks

The undated video, shared on Reddit, has sparked widespread backlash on social media, drawing comparisons to controversial comments by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, fueling debates about work culture and expectations in India

South First Desk

Published Jan 09, 2025 | 6:15 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 09, 2025 | 6:15 PM

L&T Chairman’s proposal for 90-hour work weeks sparks debate on work-life balance

L&T Chairman’s proposal for 90-hour work weeks sparks debate on work-life balance (ltts.com)

SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has ignited a fierce debate on work culture and work-life balance after suggesting that employees should work up to 90 hours a week, including Sundays, during a company interaction. 

The comments, which were shared in an undated video that surfaced on Reddit, have generated significant backlash on social media and among the public, drawing comparisons to similar controversial remarks made by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy.

The discussion began when Subrahmanyan was asked why L&T, one of India’s largest and most influential conglomerates, still required employees to work on Saturdays. In his response, Subrahmanyan expressed regret that he couldn’t compel employees to work on Sundays as well.

“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,” Subrahmanyan was quoted saying. He further questioned the need for downtime, asking, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.”

Subrahmanyan also referenced an interaction with a Chinese individual, who claimed that China’s economic strength was partially due to its citizens working up to 90 hours a week, compared to Americans who typically work 50 hours.

The chairman’s comments have sparked a wider conversation about the sustainability of such work cultures in India, with many questioning the impact of long working hours on employee health, morale, and overall productivity. Critics argue that such expectations might compromise work-life balance and contribute to burnout.

Also Read: Finance minister must reduce middle-class’ stress

Reactions on social media 

His comments have sparked widespread backlash online, with many drawing comparisons to similar controversial statements made by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who previously suggested that employees should work long hours to ensure success.

On social media, the conversation quickly turned heated. User @sagarcasm tweeted, “Imagine thinking family time is optional but unpaid overtime is mandatory. This guy is Narayana Murthy on steroids.”

Another user, @akash_mishra24, expressed concern over the implications of such a mindset: “L&T Chairman’s 90-hour work week proposal after Narayana Murthy’s 70-hour suggestion is a clear sign of toxic work culture in India. It’s not dedication; it’s exploitation. Time for a reality check on work-life balance!”

The criticism continued with @PoornimaNimo, who posted a pointed response to Subrahmanyan. “After one or two years of marriage, nobody stares at their wife or spouse. But yes, those hardworking people who work for your company don’t have 7 to 8 servants to do the pending jobs piling up at home,” she wrote. “Let your young employees enjoy family life. Give them an option to work on Sundays or enjoy a holiday. Family life and leisure time are as important as work life and money.”

Business leaders also weighed in on the controversy. Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, took to social media to criticise the 90-hour work week proposal. “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept!” Goenka wrote. “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.”

User @TabrezNasar wrote, “Am sure some will opt to work for 90 hours a week provided you pay them for their time and effort. Don’t expect your staff to work 90 hours while only you mint money!”

Highlighting the need for work-life balance, user @SiddhiSankalkar said, “Your home needs your presence Your family doesn’t deserve your silence There is a world beyond career, you need to maintain work life balance 70 hours a week is not for all, don’t test our patience”

(Compiled by Ananya Rao)

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