Mon Jan 13 08:09:22 UTC 2025: ## L&T Chairman’s 90-Hour Workweek Proposal Sparks Outrage Among Indian Business Leaders
**Mumbai, India** – A recent video of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggesting employees work 90-hour weeks has ignited a firestorm of criticism across India’s business community. Subrahmanyan’s comments, made during an employee interaction, included questioning what employees do at home and suggesting they should be working on Sundays as well.
The remarks have drawn sharp rebukes from prominent figures including Anand Mahindra (Mahindra Group), Harsh Mariwala (Marico), Rajiv Bajaj (Bajaj Auto), and Vineet Nayar (former HCL CEO). These leaders have widely condemned the suggestion, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and the detrimental effects of excessive working hours on employee well-being and productivity.
Mahindra, in particular, countered Subrahmanyan’s comments directly, stating his enjoyment of time with his wife, while also highlighting the importance of holistic thinking and time for reflection in effective decision-making. Bajaj stressed that the quality of work, not the hours logged, is the crucial metric, suggesting that such long hours should start at the top of the organization first. Mariwala echoed this sentiment, noting that he hasn’t consistently worked such long hours throughout his career and highlighting the importance of work quality over quantity. Nayar criticized the glorification of long hours, arguing it negatively impacts creativity and overall well-being.
Other prominent business leaders, including Adar Poonawalla (Serum Institute of India) and Namita Thapar (Emcure Pharmaceuticals), also weighed in, supporting the importance of work-life balance and the need for time outside of work for personal enrichment and improved performance. The debate highlights a growing tension between traditional work expectations and the increasing emphasis on employee well-being and a sustainable work-life integration.
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