L&T HR Head Defends Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's Casual Remarks on 90-Hour Work Week

On Tuesday, L&T's HR head defended Chairman SN Subrahmanyan following his controversial remarks about a 90-hour work week. The comments sparked widespread criticism and reignited discussions on work-life balance. The HR head expressed disappointment over the misinterpretation of Subrahmanyan's words, which led to misunderstandings and unnecessary backlash.

Representative image

Muraleedharan, who oversees HR for L&T's domestic operations, took to LinkedIn to clarify the situation. She stated that during an internal meeting, Subrahmanyan did not mandate or suggest a 90-hour work week. Instead, his remarks were casual and have been taken out of context, fueling a controversy that misrepresents his true intentions.

Work-Life Balance Debate

The debate around work-life balance was first sparked by Infosys Co-Founder Narayana Murthy's suggestion of a 70-hour work week. Subrahmanyan's comments added fuel to the fire, drawing sharp reactions from various quarters. Critics argued that such a stance could harm employees' well-being.

L&T later clarified that Subrahmanyan's remarks were aligned with the company's vision for India's growth over the next decade. The company emphasized its aspirations for development rather than imposing excessive working hours on employees.

Industry Reactions

ITC Ltd Chairman Sanjiv Puri also opposed the idea of mandating long working hours. He advocated for an inclusive approach that empowers employees and encourages them to be part of the company's journey. "We would not do that," Puri said, referring to imposing long hours.

RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka described long hours as a recipe for burnout. Meanwhile, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani humorously warned that spending too much time at home might lead to one's "biwi bhaag jayegi" or wife leaving.

Leadership Qualities

Muraleedharan highlighted her nearly five-year experience with L&T and regular interactions with Subrahmanyan. She praised his ability to balance professional commitments while fostering a nurturing environment for his team. She noted that he treats employees as part of an extended family, promoting unity and belonging.

"SNS is, without question, a leader who genuinely cares for his team's well-being," she explained. His visionary leadership and commitment to supporting employees set him apart as a mentor who leads by example. Working under him has been transformative, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership.

Muraleedharan urged people to consider the context and intent behind Subrahmanyan's statements before passing judgment. She emphasized his encouragement for innovation and personal growth among employees, ensuring their voices are heard despite his busy schedule.

The ongoing discussion highlights differing views on work-life balance in corporate India. While some leaders advocate for longer hours to drive growth, others stress the importance of employee well-being and empowerment in achieving success.