Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) head of HR for domestic operations, Sonica Muraleedharan, addressed the ongoing controversy over the remarks made by the company’s Chairman and Managing Director SN Subrahmanyan (SNS) regarding a 90-hour work week. In a detailed post on LinkedIn, Muraleedharan expressed disappointment over the backlash, stating that Subrahmanyan’s comments had been taken out of context and misinterpreted.
Muraleedharan clarified that the remarks were made during an internal discussion and were not intended to suggest or mandate any such directive within the company. “The comments were casual in nature and not intended to impose any directive on employees,” she stated.
Defending Subrahmanyan’s leadership style, she described him as a leader deeply invested in his team’s well-being. “SNS is, without question, a leader who genuinely cares for his team’s well-being. He consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance his demanding professional commitments while creating a nurturing and empowering environment for his team,” Muraleedharan wrote in her post.
Highlighting the positive influence Subrahmanyan has had on his team, she added, “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, where every interaction imparts valuable life lessons.”
Muraleedharan urged critics to view the chairman’s comments in the right context and focus on his contributions to the organization. “Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them. Instead of focusing on controversy, let’s celebrate and support leaders who empower, motivate, and elevate their teams, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the organization as a whole,” she added.
The controversy erupted after a video of Subrahmanyan’s remarks during an internal discussion went viral on social media. In the video, Subrahmanyan expressed his regret at not being able to make employees work on Sundays, suggesting that a 90-hour work week would be necessary to stay competitive globally.
Following the backlash, L&T issued a clarification, with a company spokesperson explaining that the chairman’s comments reflected the company’s broader vision for progress and were not intended as an official directive.
The debate comes on the heels of similar remarks made by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who faced criticism for suggesting that Indians should work 70 hours a week to drive national progress.
The incident has sparked a broader discussion on work-life balance, employee well-being, and productivity in India’s corporate sector. While some argue that longer work hours are essential to achieve global competitiveness, others believe that sustainable progress can only be achieved through a healthier work-life balance and a focus on employee welfare.
