Mumbai: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan has caused an uproar with his controversial suggestion for employees to work 90 hours a week. The remark, made during an employee interaction, has stirred debate on corporate culture and the concept of productivity in today’s fast-paced work environment.
Subrahmanyan, known for his no-nonsense approach to work, offered what he called the “ultimate productivity hack.” His idea? Instead of spending time with family, employees should dedicate themselves to staring at Excel sheets. He raised eyebrows by asking, “How long can you stare at your wife, and your wife stare at you?” suggesting that the solution is to immerse oneself in work.
The L&T Chairman drew comparisons to global competition, claiming that China works 90 hours a week while the United States lags with a mere 50-hour workweek. He went on to express his regret that Sundays were not mandatory office days, saying, “If I could make you work Sundays, I’d be happier.” This stark work philosophy is in stark contrast to the increasingly common call for work-life balance in the modern workplace.
The comments quickly went viral, with many finding them extreme and out of touch with the growing emphasis on mental health and well-being. Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Group, humorously responded by suggesting, “Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept?”
Actress and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone also weighed in, calling Subrahmanyan’s remarks “shocking” and reminding everyone of the importance of mental health, with the hashtag #MentalHealthMatters gaining traction online.
Critics of Subrahmanyan’s suggestion pointed out that productivity is not about the number of hours worked but the quality and output achieved during that time. Some even pointed to the disconnect between his view of work and the realities of a well-rested workforce.
In a striking contrast, Subrahmanyan’s annual salary of ₹51 crore—534 times the median L&T employee’s pay—has led many to question whether his relationship with work-life balance differs from that of the average employee. While he encourages workers to forgo Sundays, it’s unclear if his workweek includes waiting for his corporate jet to refuel.
The debate has shifted the focus to the need for smart work strategies rather than mindlessly logging hours. As Goenka aptly put it, working “smart, not slave” is the true path to success, suggesting that a balance between professional commitments and personal time is key to long-term productivity and well-being.
