In a now-viral video, Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has ignited a storm of criticism for suggesting employees should work 90 hours a week, including Sundays.
During an employee interaction, Subrahmanyan lamented over not being able to make staff work seven days a week, jokingly 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.”
“If I can make you work on Sundays, I’ll be happier. Because I work on Sundays also,” he stated.
Drawing comparisons to Narayana Murthy’s controversial 70-hour workweek comment, Subrahmanyan’s statements have fuelled debates online about work-life balance in India’s private sector. One user quipped, “How long can employees stare at screens and fatass managers?” Another accused Subrahmanyan of hypocrisy: “This same person will dump his workload on juniors and go home to stare at his wife. Two-faced much?”
The outrage didn’t stop there. Critics called out L&T’s corporate culture, with one claiming, “L&T hires graduates at peanuts, makes them work 6.5 days a week, and gives only seven casual leaves a year. No wonder 90% leave in three years.” Some linked his comments to broader issues in the private sector. “Another CEO shamelessly promoting slavery,” read one reply.
The remarks have drawn comparisons to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s recent 70-hour workweek suggestion, fueling a broader conversation about work-life balance and corporate expectations in India.
Watch the video below:
“How long will you stare at your wife?”
L&T chairman wants you to work on Sundays also!
You agree? pic.twitter.com/4MEGG408gd
— NextBigWhat.com (@nextbigwhat) January 9, 2025
Work-life balance in India
Subrahmanyan’s remarks follow closely on the heels of a similar debate sparked by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. Just months earlier, Murthy doubled down on his advocacy for a 70-hour workweek, claiming that India’s progress depends on its citizens’ willingness to work harder and make sacrifices. Speaking at a leadership summit, Murthy declared, “I don’t believe in work-life balance,” and reiterated that hard work is critical for India’s economic growth.
He also expressed his disappointment over India’s shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported 100-hour workweeks, Murthy argued that Indians should emulate this ethos for national development.
On the other hand, Swiggy CEO Rohit Kapoor has taken a strong stance against hustle culture. In a viral Instagram video, Kapoor called out the glorification of late-night work sessions, saying, “Those who claim to work until 3 AM won’t tell you they reach the office at 1 PM.” Kapoor encouraged employees to prioritise health, family, and relationships, earning praise for his practical approach.
