Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently found himself at the centre of a controversy after an undated video surfaced in which he urged employees to work even on Sundays. The remarks sparked a backlash, with many criticising the suggestion of extended work hours. However, the company’s HR head, Sonica Muraleedharan, has stepped forward to defend Subrahmanyan, clarifying that his words were misinterpreted and taken out of context.
HR Addresses the Misunderstanding
In a detailed post on LinkedIn, Sonica Muraleedharan, who has been with L&T for about five years, expressed her dismay at how Subrahmanyan’s comments were misconstrued. Having been present at the meeting where the comments were made, Sonica assured that the chairman never intended to impose a gruelling 90-hour workweek on employees, as some critics have suggested.
“It’s truly disheartening to see how the words of our MD & Chairman, S.N. Subrahmanyan (SNS) have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism,” she wrote. Sonica emphasized that Subrahmanyan’s comments were casual and part of an internal address, and were not meant to suggest mandatory extended work hours.
Sonica also highlighted Subrahmanyan’s leadership style, noting that despite his busy schedule, he makes a conscious effort to connect with L&T employees and listen to their concerns. According to Sonica, his approach is centred on ensuring that employees’ voices are heard, which reflects his genuine concern for their well-being.
She urged those criticizing Subrahmanyan to take a step back and consider the context and intent behind his remarks. “Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them,” she said.
A Call for Context and Understanding
Sonica’s note serves as a plea for understanding in light of the controversy, emphasizing the importance of interpreting leaders’ words with the proper context. She expressed her belief that Subrahmanyan’s true intent was never to push his employees to work excessively but to encourage productivity and growth in a challenging business environment.
Her statement reflects L&T’s broader commitment to fostering a positive work culture and supporting its employees’ well-being, while also navigating the demands of a competitive industry.
The incident underscores the complexities of corporate leadership and the fine line between encouraging hard work and respecting employees’ work-life balance. While Subrahmanyan’s remarks were meant to motivate, the backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication, especially when addressing a large, diverse workforce.
L&T’s response to the controversy, through Sonica’s clarifying note, demonstrates the company’s commitment to transparency and the well-being of its employees. Moving forward, it’s clear that leadership must strike a balance between motivating teams and ensuring that employees feel valued, not overburdened.
As the debate continues, it is crucial for both leaders and employees to engage in open dialogue, understanding each other’s perspectives, and working together to build a sustainable, supportive work environment.