The corporate world has been buzzing with debates since Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s remarks about employees working 90 hours a week surfaced.
The statement, perceived as advocating for an overwhelming work schedule, sparked significant backlash from employees, industry observers, and even celebrities. However, a clarifying statement from L&T’s Head HR, Sonica Muraleedharan, has shifted the narrative, suggesting that the remarks were taken out of context.
Sonica Muraleedharan, addressing the controversy on LinkedIn, emphasized that the Chairman’s comments were not a directive but casual in nature. She stated, “It’s truly disheartening to see how the words of our MD & Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan (SNS), have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism. SNS never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks.”
Her remarks shed light on the possibility that the Chairman’s comments might have been more about expressing dedication and passion rather than imposing unrealistic expectations.
Muraleedharan painted a picture of Subrahmanyan’s leadership style as one deeply rooted in care and camaraderie. She described him as someone who fosters a familial bond within the organization.
“Working under his leadership has been more than just a job—it has been a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership,” she said, emphasizing the empowering environment he creates for his team.
Despite the controversy, she urged critics to look beyond the statements and recognize the broader context of his leadership, which she characterized as inspirational and focused on positive change.
The remarks that caused the uproar included a video in which Subrahmanyan commented, “How long can you stare at your wife?” when addressing long work hours. Furthermore, he expressed a wish to have employees work on Sundays, stating, “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 also.”
These statements, while likely made in jest, fueled the perception of an unbalanced work culture being encouraged by L&T’s top leadership.
The controversy highlights a larger discussion about work-life balance in corporate India. While some leaders champion long hours as a measure of commitment and success, the growing focus on mental health and sustainable productivity has prompted a pushback against such narratives.
Muraleedharan’s defense underscores the importance of understanding the intent behind statements before reacting. “Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them,” she said. She urged stakeholders to focus on the broader contributions of such leaders instead of isolated remarks.