Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan's recent advocacy for a 90-hour workweek, including working on Sundays, has ignited significant debate within India's corporate sector. In a video that surfaced online, Subrahmanyan questioned employees' use of weekends, suggesting, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working."
Anand Mahindra's Reaction
Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group, humorously countered, stating, "My wife is wonderful, and I love staring at her." His lighthearted response highlights the importance of work-life balance over relentless work hours.
Adar Poonawalla's Perspective
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, echoed Mahindra's sentiment, sharing that his wife, Natasha Poonawalla, enjoys spending Sundays together. He emphasized that quality work should be valued over sheer quantity.
Harsh Goenka's Critique
Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, criticized the proposal sarcastically by suggesting, "Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept!" His comment underscores the need to respect personal time.
Deepika Padukone's Mental Health Concern
Actress Deepika Padukone, a known mental health advocate, expressed her shock, stating, "Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters." Her response draws attention to the psychological effects of overwork.
Mahua Moitra's Political Criticism
TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticized Subrahmanyan's remarks, urging him to "get a life." She pointed out that Denmark excels in work-life balance with just 34 working hours per week, contrasting it with India's growing work culture.
Milind Deora's Balanced View
Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora acknowledged generational differences, noting that while older generations valued relentless hard work, today's workforce equally prioritizes work-life balance without compromising on ambition.
L&T's Clarification
L&T defended Subrahmanyan's remarks, framing them as a call for extraordinary effort to achieve national goals. A company spokesperson stated, "Extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. We remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward."
Health Experts' Warnings
Health experts warn that extended work hours can harm employee well-being. A 2021 United Nations report highlighted risks like increased chances of stroke and heart disease associated with overwork.
Our Opinion on the News
Subrahmanyan's proposal underscores a persistent tension between ambitious corporate objectives and employee well-being. While striving for excellence is commendable, it's crucial to balance productivity with sustainable work practices. Ignoring the health implications of excessive work hours can lead to burnout and decreased efficiency, ultimately undermining organizational goals. Leaders should prioritize creating work environments that promote both high performance and employee health, recognizing that sustainable success stems from a motivated and well-balanced workforce.