A debate broke out on the Internet after an undated video of S. N. Subramanian, chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), which supports a 90-hour work week, has gone viral.
In the clip, he said: “I’m sorry I can’t make you work on Sundays. If I can get you to work on Sundays, I’ll be happier because I work on Sundays. What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? How long can a wife look at her husband?”.
His remark was met with criticism on social media, rekindling the debate about work-life balance. The organization later issued a clarification that also sparked controversy and added fuel to the fire by saying, “At L&T, nation building is at the core of our mandate. For more than eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industry and technology capabilities. We believe that this is India’s decade, a time that calls for collective dedication and effort to advance progress and realize our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The Chairman’s remarks reflect this broader ambition, emphasizing that extraordinary results require extraordinary efforts. At L&T, we remain committed to developing a culture where passion, purpose and performance drive us forward.”
Celebrities including actor Deepika Padukone and former badminton player Jwala Gutta have spoken out about his work-life balance and his misogynistic comments.
Earlier in October 2023, Infosys co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy was also in the limelight when he advocated 70-hour work to compete with the fastest growing countries like China and Japan.
Actress Deepika Padukone posted on her Instagram story, “It’s shocking to see people in such high positions making such statements. #MentalHealthImportant”. After a clarifying statement from the company, she posted a different story and wrote: “And they only made it worse…”.
Former badminton champion Jwala Guta also took to X and wrote, “I mean…first of all why shouldn’t he look at his wife…and why only on Sunday. It’s sad and sometimes unbelievable that such educated people and people in the highest positions of large organizations do not take mental health and mental rest seriously … and make such misogynistic statements and expose themselves so openly!! It’s disappointing and scary.”
What the professionals say:
Vijetha Shenoy, HR Business Partner of an IT company comments, “This notice is a waste of time. It would be better for him to take up a hobby, as it is clear that he has little to occupy his time and is too absorbed in the company.’
Ranjay Kumar, an HR professional, offers a balanced perspective: “I see this situation from two sides. On the one hand, the younger generation clearly understands maintaining a healthy work-life balance and appreciates taking time off to relax. On the other hand, there are professionals who are willing to continue working and sacrifice personal time, often due to factors such as not having a job or being the sole breadwinner.’
From the expert:
Clinical psychologist Pulkit Kumar explains that mental health is critical, and it’s much easier to maintain good mental health when we have a balanced life—time to reflect, rest, and not always be focused on goals.
He says: “The constant pursuit of goals can lead to stress. We are seeing an increase in heart problems among young people in their 30s and 40s, and diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are occurring in people in their 20s and 30s. all because of not wanting to work like machines, is the best opportunity to optimize work supports well-being.”
Which other countries follow:
Germany: A trial four-day working week is introduced for six months in February 2024.
Denmark: The average working week is 33 hours.
Spain: There is a 40-hour work week policy.
Belgium: In 2022, the four-day working week became optional with 40 hours per week.
Brazil: The standard work week is 44 hours.
India: September 2024 The International Labor Organization reported that 51% of India’s workforce works 49 or more hours per week, placing us second among countries with the highest rates of extended working hours.
