Mumbai - The recent comments by S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), advocating for employees to work on Sundays to achieve "extraordinary outcomes" for India's development, have stirred a significant backlash on social media and among the public.
In a statement that has quickly gone viral, Subrahmanyan suggested a 90-hour workweek, including working on Sundays, to match the pace of global competitors. The reaction was swift and largely negative, with many on platforms like X decrying the proposal as promoting an unhealthy work-life balance.
Social media erupted with criticisms labeling the suggestion as "modern-day slavery," expressing concerns over the physical and mental health implications of such long working hours. Comparisons were drawn to similar controversial remarks by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who had previously advocated for a 70-hour workweek, pointing to a perceived trend of overwork culture among India's corporate elite.
Critics, including RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, labeled the idea as a "recipe for burnout," emphasizing the need for a balance between work and personal life. The debate expanded beyond just the hours of work to discuss broader issues of employee well-being, compensation, and the cultural ethos of work in India.
In response to the outcry, L&T issued a statement clarifying that the Chairman's comments were aimed at inspiring a sense of national duty and extraordinary effort for the country's development. However, this did little to mitigate the public's reaction. On platforms like Reddit, self-identified L&T employees shared experiences of poor work-life balance and inadequate compensation, reinforcing the public's negative perception.
The controversy has sparked a national conversation on labor rights, the ethics of corporate leadership, and the future of work in India, with many calling for policies that ensure employee health and happiness alongside productivity. This incident has highlighted a significant disconnect between corporate expectations and public sentiment regarding work culture and employee rights.