L&T Work Hour Remarks Stir Debate in India

Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's comments about a 90-hour workweek and a quip about staring at spouses at home have sparked extensive backlash and debate on work-life balance. L&T's HR Head, Sonica Muraleedharan, defended the remarks, stating they were taken out of context and not meant as a directive. Critics across social media, including notable figures like Anand Mahindra and Anupam Mittal, have mocked the comments, emphasizing quality over quantity in work hours. Subrahmanyan's remarks drew comparisons to similar statements by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, highlighting a growing discourse on corporate work ethics in India. Despite the controversy, some former employees, such as Amey Kulkarni, supported the notion, citing alignment with industry demands. The incident has underscored the need for companies to balance productivity with employee well-being.