Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has ignited a firestorm of criticism after advocating for a 90-hour workweek during an employee interaction. Subrahmanyan defended L&T’s six-day workweek, lamenting the inability to make employees work seven days. He jokingly quipped, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?”
Actor Deepika Padukone has also weighed in on the debate and called out Subrahmanyan for his remarks. The actor took to Instagram and posted, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
The remark made during an employee interaction drew swift backlash, with netizens accusing the chairman of insensitivity and hypocrisy. Subrahmanyan further shared an anecdote about a conversation with a Chinese individual who asserted that China could surpass the United States. When asked for the reason, the person explained that Chinese workers put in 90 hours a week compared to the 50-hour workweeks typical in the US.
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Comparisons to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s recent call for a 70-hour workweek further stoked debates about work-life balance in India’s private sector.
Social media erupted with satirical responses, including one user retorting, “How long can employees stare at screens and fatass managers?” Others highlighted the harsh realities of L&T’s corporate culture, with claims of low pay, long hours, and minimal leave.
Critics framed Subrahmanyan’s statements as emblematic of systemic issues. “Another CEO shamelessly promoting slavery,” read one scathing reply. Others noted the widening gap between corporate demands and employee well-being, with one user observing, “No wonder the craze for government jobs is at its peak in India. Private sector is only good at harassing employees.”