The L&T Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, recently stirred a heated debate after a video surfaced online of him encouraging a 90-hour workweek. His remarks also included a controversial question—“How long can you stare at your wife?”—that has drawn swift backlash from employees and the general public alike. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is known as a multi-billion dollar conglomerate that operates across numerous industries, from construction to technology services. However, Subrahmanyan’s comments have thrust the company into the spotlight for its workplace culture rather than its engineering feats.
In this article, we delve into the specifics of Subrahmanyan’s statements and explore how they tie into broader discussions about work-life balance, employee welfare, and productivity in India. We will examine the reactions from employees, dissect the comparisons between Chinese and American work habits, and discuss what this controversy means for corporate ethics and labor practices. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how the L&T Chairman’s words could shape the ongoing conversation around workplace expectations in today’s ever-evolving corporate landscape.
Table of Contents
L&T Chairman’s 90-Hour Workweek Controversy
When the L&T Chairman made a remark about wishing he could make his employees work not just Saturdays but also Sundays, the corporate world took notice. The implication that a mega-corporation expects or desires its workforce to put in excessive hours—like 90 hours a week—sheds light on a problem that often lurks behind corporate success stories: the erosion of personal time and well-being
Why It Matters
- Corporate Influence: As the head of one of India’s most prominent conglomerates, Subrahmanyan’s words can set the tone for workplace culture, not just within L&T but potentially influencing other companies in related industries.
- Precedent Setting: If senior leaders in powerful organizations advocate working 90 hours a week, this can perpetuate an unhealthy norm, framing extreme working hours as a competitive advantage.
- Workforce Morale: Overextended employees can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and ultimately lower productivity, undermining the very goal of improved corporate performance.
Inside Larsen & Toubro: Saturday Schedules and Sundays Off
Larsen & Toubro, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, has traditionally asked employees to work on Saturdays—a practice increasingly falling out of favor among many other large companies. In many global corporations, the five-day workweek is viewed as the norm, and flexible working arrangements are on the rise. At L&T, though, Saturdays are part of the standard weekly schedule.
Subrahmanyan acknowledges that employees might not be entirely thrilled about working on the weekend, but he goes further, expressing regret that he cannot mandate work on Sundays as well. This perspective positions the company firmly in a traditional framework of maximizing labor hours, potentially at the expense of rest and personal time.
The History of Saturday Work
- Manufacturing Legacy: Construction and manufacturing sectors often follow six-day schedules due to project timelines and output demands.
- Overtime Pay: In some sectors, working on weekends is voluntary and compensated with overtime or added holidays. However, consistent mandatory Saturday shifts can signal an inflexible approach to employee well-being.
- Modern Shift: The growing global emphasis on mental health and work-life balance has led many employers to adopt four- or five-day workweeks to increase morale and productivity.
“How Long Can You Stare at Your Wife?”—The Viral Video
A major spark of controversy was Subrahmanyan’s rhetorical question: “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?” This statement carries significant implications:
L&T Chairman says “ he regrets he’s not able to make us work on Sunday and Sunday’s, 90hrs a week” in a response to his employee remarks
byu/5seb4C inIndiaCareers
- Casual Disregard: By suggesting there’s little value in time spent with family or personal pursuits, Subrahmanyan downplays the importance of non-work activities and relationships.
- Misogynistic Overtones: Framing the spouse’s presence as an object to “stare at” has been labeled by some as sexist. Critics argue it trivializes personal relationships and reveals an outdated mindset.
- Public Perception: The clip’s circulation on platforms like Reddit has sparked widespread condemnation. Corporate leaders are expected to champion respectful and inclusive views, and many see the comment as contrary to such values.
This portion of the video has likely done more to fuel the controversy than even the mention of a 90-hour work schedule. It taps into ongoing social discussions about the value of leisure time, mutual respect in personal relationships, and the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
Comparing China and the U.S.: The 90-Hour Myth
In the same conversation, Subrahmanyan cites a conversation with a Chinese individual who asserted that Chinese people work 90 hours a week, while Americans only work 50. The claim was used as justification for why China may be more competitive globally.
Is 90 Hours the Norm in China?
- 996 Culture: In parts of China’s tech and manufacturing sectors, the so-called “996” culture (work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week) is indeed widespread, amounting to 72 hours a week. However, 90 hours is beyond even that controversial standard.
- Debated Efficacy: There is robust debate in China itself about the sustainability and ethical implications of such schedules.
- International Comparisons: While some American workers put in 50-60 hours, others stick closely to a 40-hour week. Factors such as job role, industry, and workplace policies all come into play.
Using China’s model to push for extended work hours is controversial. Many economists argue that while longer working hours can yield short-term gains, there is a point of diminishing returns, where fatigue and burnout reduce productivity and spur workplace dissatisfaction.
Work Culture in India: Historical Perspective and Trends
India has a diverse labor market that blends traditional practices with emerging modern perspectives. Over the decades, urban corporate environments have shifted toward more progressive policies, thanks in part to multinational influences and the growing importance of tech and service industries.
- Legacy of Hard Work: India has a longstanding ethos that values dedication and diligence, often leading many to work six days a week in manufacturing or infrastructure development.
- Rise of Tech and IT Hubs: In large metropolitan areas like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Gurgaon, flexible work and remote options are becoming common, showing a counter-trend to the “always on” mentality.
- Middle Path: Many Indian companies are experimenting with flexible hours, compressed workweeks, or hybrid models, aiming to attract and retain skilled talent.
Subrahmanyan’s viewpoint sits at odds with the direction much of modern corporate India seems to be heading.
Employee Rights and Labor Laws: Where Does India Stand?
Calls for extended work hours must also be scrutinized through the lens of labor laws. India’s legal framework includes state-specific shops and establishments acts, as well as the Factories Act for manufacturing. However, critics often claim existing regulations are not uniformly enforced.
- Overtime Regulations: Many laws require overtime pay for hours worked beyond a certain threshold, but enforcement can vary widely by region and sector.
- Safety Concerns: Excessive working hours can heighten workplace accidents, particularly in factories and construction sites—areas central to L&T’s business.
- Recent Reforms: The Indian government has considered changes to labor codes, sparking debates on employee rights, gig economy workers, and more flexible working arrangements.
If a shift toward extremely long working hours were to occur, advocates for employee welfare would likely push for stricter oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
Productivity vs. Work-Life Balance: Striking the Right Note
Balancing high productivity with employee well-being remains a perpetual challenge in business. While proponents of extended hours argue it boosts output, many studies show that workers eventually burn out if not given sufficient rest.
- Creative Fatigue: Mental and emotional exhaustion can hinder innovation and long-term problem-solving.
- Health Implications: A 90-hour workweek can lead to heightened stress levels, affecting cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
- Attracting Talent: Younger generations entering the workforce, such as Gen Z, often prioritize flexibility and well-being. Companies perceived to promote an overwork culture may struggle to recruit top-tier talent.
Ultimately, it’s in an organization’s best interest to find a compromise that allows for both ambitious productivity targets and an environment where employees can thrive personally.
Public and Employee Reactions
Employee responses to the L&T Chairman’s comments have ranged from amusement to outrage. Many note that working six days a week already leaves limited personal time. Subrahmanyan’s suggestion that Sundays should also be spent at the office has left some employees feeling devalued or under pressure to demonstrate “commitment” by sacrificing family and personal life.
Social Media Outcry
- Reddit: The platform on which the video went viral has seen threads filled with employees sharing their experiences, worries about corporate exploitation, and criticisms of the chairman’s flippant tone.
- LinkedIn: Business professionals have discussed the broader impact on company culture, recruiting, and brand reputation.
- Twitter: Many tweets criticize the statement’s sexist undertones and question whether an old-school mindset is truly beneficial in the 21st-century workplace.
Customers and business partners have also weighed in, with some questioning whether L&T’s approach might affect project timelines or employee reliability over the long term.
Impact on Larsen & Toubro’s Corporate Image
Before this controversy, L&T’s reputation largely centered on its engineering projects, global reach, and ability to drive infrastructure development in India and abroad. Now, the L&T Chairman’s remarks risk overshadowing those achievements with a narrative about long hours and work culture.
Potential Risks
- Talent Acquisition: Prospective employees may be hesitant to join a company that seemingly prizes face-time over flexibility and well-being.
- Stakeholder Concerns: Shareholders, partners, and clients often look at how a company treats its workforce, believing it correlates with stability and ethical management.
- Legal Scrutiny: Regulators or labor organizations might pay closer attention to L&T’s practices in the wake of these revelations.
On the flip side, some might admire the chairman’s emphasis on commitment and hustle. Yet, in an era where many global leaders emphasize empathy and balance, the backlash suggests Subrahmanyan’s comments may be at odds with prevailing workplace values.
The statements from the L&T Chairman about longing for a 90-hour workweek and regretting he can’t have employees working on Sundays have sparked crucial debates on labor, corporate ethics, and modern work culture. While India has long been known for its industrious workforce, today’s employees are increasingly advocating for balanced lives that include family time, personal development, and rest.
In a world where productivity is often tied to creativity and mental well-being, many question whether a 90-hour week is either necessary or beneficial. As Larsen & Toubro navigates the fallout from Subrahmanyan’s remarks, the situation serves as a bellwether for India’s evolving relationship with work. Will companies move toward more flexible frameworks, or will a push for grueling hours take hold? The public response thus far suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to succeed in a modernizing economy.
For now, the controversy underscores a key truth: how leaders speak about employees’ time, family life, and personal well-being profoundly influences both corporate culture and broader public discourse. It is a reminder that words matter, especially when uttered by someone at the apex of a billion-dollar empire—words that can either uplift a workforce or cast a shadow on it.
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