Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Human Resources Head, Sonica Muraleedharan, has come to the defense of the company’s Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, after his recent remarks about employees working 90 hours a week triggered widespread debate and criticism. In the midst of the controversy, which gained significant attention, even from celebrities, Sonica Muraleedharan clarified that the remarks made by SNSubrahmanyan had been misinterpreted and taken out of context.
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Sonica Muraleedharan expressed her dismay, stating, “It’s truly disheartening to see how the words of our MD & Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan (SNS) have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism.” Sonica Muraleedharan, who was present during SNSubrahmanyan’s internal address, emphasized that the Chairman never intended to mandate a 90-hour workweek for L&T employees. According to Sonica Muraleedharan, SNSubrahmanyan’s comments were casual in nature and not meant to be taken as a directive.
Sonica Muraleedharan continued to praise SNSubrahmanyan’s leadership style, describing him as a leader who treats employees as part of an extended family, creating a sense of unity and belonging within the organization. She stressed that SNSubrahmanyan genuinely cares for the well-being of his team, balancing his demanding professional responsibilities with a nurturing and empowering environment for his employees. “Working under his leadership has been more than just a job – it has been a transformative experience,” she added, comparing the experience to a masterclass in leadership.
In her LinkedIn post, Sonica Muraleedharan urged people to take a step back and understand the full context and intent of SNSubrahmanyan’s words. She pointed out that leaders like SNSubrahmanyan inspire positive change and growth within their organizations, and instead of focusing on controversies, it is important to recognize their efforts and support them. “Let’s celebrate and support leaders who empower, motivate, and elevate their teams, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the organization as a whole,” she concluded.
SNSubrahmanyan’s comments, made during an internal address, sparked a wave of outrage after he suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week, even on Sundays, in order to remain competitive. His remarks were met with a backlash from social media users and prominent public figures. In a video recording of the address, SNSubrahmanyan is heard saying, “How long can you stare at your wife?” before commenting on the need for employees to work on Saturdays and Sundays. He added, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays, to be honest. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also.”
The 90-hour work week proposal was widely condemned, with celebrities and industry leaders criticizing SNSubrahmanyan’s remarks. Actress Deepika Padukone called it “shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements.” Other business leaders such as Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Group, and Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, also voiced their disapproval, mocking the idea of a 90-hour work week.
SNSubrahmanyan’s comments were compared to those made by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who had also suggested that employees work for 70 hours a week in 2024. The 90-hour work week debate has intensified discussions about work-life balance, employee well-being, and the expectations placed on employees in corporate environments.
As the debate continues to evolve, the key issue remains the impact of such remarks on the corporate culture and employee morale. While Sonica Muraleedharan has defended SN Subrahmanyan’s leadership, the backlash against the 90-hour work week suggestion remains a significant point of contention in the ongoing discussion about work-life balance in today’s corporate world.
