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
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