In an extraordinary statement that has sent shockwaves through corporate India, S.N. Subrahmanyan, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), expressed his regret over not being able to make employees work on Sundays.
His remarks, caught on video, have sparked a massive backlash online, with many branding them as a blatant disregard for work-life balance.
The Viral Remark
Speaking during an internal meeting, Subrahmanyan audaciously asked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.” The L&T Chairman, who admitted he works on Sundays himself, lamented the fact that his employees were not following his lead.
“If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy,” he declared, suggesting that working seven days a week would make the company more competitive.
Online Outrage
As soon as the video surfaced, it unleashed a torrent of criticism. Social media users were quick to condemn the statement, accusing the Chairman of promoting toxic work culture.
“This is not leadership; this is modern-day slavery,” said one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Another wrote, “Staring at your wife? Seriously? This is disrespectful to employees and their families.”
Hashtags like #WorkLifeBalance and #ToxicWorkCulture began trending as the debate over excessive work hours heated up.
Echoes of Narayana Murthy?
This controversy comes hot on the heels of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s controversial comments, where he advocated for young professionals to work 70-hour weeks to “build the nation.” Critics argue that such statements reflect a growing disconnect between corporate leaders and the workforce, which is increasingly prioritizing mental health and personal time.
Corporate India’s Wake-Up Call
Many are now questioning whether such remarks are emblematic of a larger cultural issue in India’s corporate sector, where success is often equated with relentless overwork. “It’s ironic that a company that prides itself on innovation and leadership is stuck in such archaic views,” commented a LinkedIn user.
The Bigger Picture
While leaders like Subrahmanyan and Murthy champion longer working hours, experts warn that this mindset could drive talented professionals away from Indian companies to global firms that value work-life balance. Studies consistently show that overworking leads to burnout, reduced productivity, and strained relationships.
Will Change Come?
The backlash has put L&T under intense scrutiny, with many demanding an official apology or retraction of the Chairman’s remarks.
Yet, corporate India continues to grapple with its identity—will it embrace modern, employee-friendly practices or double down on the ethos of relentless labor?
For now, the message from employees is loud and clear: “We work to live, not live to work.”
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