Sat Jan 11 09:53:24 UTC 2025: ## Bajaj Counters L&T Chairman’s 90-Hour Work Week Proposal: “Start at the Top”

**MUMBAI, INDIA** – Bajaj Auto Managing Director Rajiv Bajaj has criticized Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s suggestion that employees should work 90-hour weeks, arguing that such a demanding schedule, if necessary at all, should begin with top management.

“If you want a 90-hour week, start from the top,” Bajaj told CNBC-TV18, emphasizing that the quality of work, not the quantity of hours, is paramount. He advocated for a “kinder, gentler world” and pointed out that leadership inefficiencies often create bottlenecks, hindering productivity. He urged leaders to reassess strategies, improve decision-making, and empower employees.

Bajaj’s comments follow Subrahmanyan’s controversial remarks, which sparked widespread online backlash. A purported video of Subrahmanyan urging employees to minimize time at home and maximize office hours, even suggesting work on Sundays, drew sharp criticism, with many comparing his stance to similar comments previously made by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy.

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka also weighed in on the debate, rejecting the idea of a 90-hour work week and stressing the importance of work-life balance. He tweeted, “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’?” highlighting the potential for burnout.

Bajaj, while acknowledging the importance of hard work, insisted that focusing on efficiency and effectiveness is crucial, rather than simply accumulating long hours. The debate continues to highlight the ongoing tension between demanding work expectations and the need for employee well-being.

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