Highlights

  • L&T HR defends Subrahmanyan's controversial remarks
  • Subrahmanyan's comments misinterpreted, says Sonica Muraleedharan
  • Celebrities and business leaders criticize 90-hour workweek

Latest news

North hemisphere to witness partial solar eclipse: March 29, 2025

North hemisphere to witness partial solar eclipse: March 29, 2025

Over 50 crore devotees attend Maha Kumbh dip

Over 50 crore devotees attend Maha Kumbh dip

Kapil Dev raises concerns over player injuries amid Cricket demands

Kapil Dev raises concerns over player injuries amid Cricket demands

BCCI sets new luggage rules after excessive baggage on Australia tour

BCCI sets new luggage rules after excessive baggage on Australia tour

PM Modi and Elon Musk discuss space and tech in Washington

PM Modi and Elon Musk discuss space and tech in Washington

Valentine's day clashes: fringe groups disrupt celebrations in India

Valentine's day clashes: fringe groups disrupt celebrations in India

Eric Schmidt warns of AI misuse by rogue states posing global threat

Eric Schmidt warns of AI misuse by rogue states posing global threat

Ludhiana to undergo major transformation with Rs. 930 Crore infrastructure boost under CM Bhagwant Mann’s

Ludhiana to undergo major transformation with Rs. 930 Crore infrastructure boost under CM Bhagwant Mann’s

L&T HR Head defends Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's controversial 90-hour workweek comments

L&T Head of HR, Sonica Muraleedharan, defends Chairman SN Subrahmanyan after his comments on employees working 90 hours a week sparked controversy. Muraleedharan clarifies that Subrahmanyan’s remarks were misinterpreted.

L&T HR Head defends Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's controversial 90-hour workweek comments

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Head of HR, Sonica Muraleedharan, has come forward in defense of Chairman SN Subrahmanyan following his controversial comments about employees working 90 hours a week.

His remarks sparked a widespread debate, drawing attention from celebrities and social media alike. In response, Muraleedharan clarified that Subrahmanyan's statements had been "misinterpreted" and taken out of context.

Expressing her disappointment, Muraleedharan posted on LinkedIn, 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. Having been present during the internal address, I can confidently state that SNS never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks." She emphasized that Subrahmanyan's remarks were made "casually" and were not intended as a directive.

Muraleedharan defended the leadership style of Subrahmanyan, describing him as a leader who treats his employees like "an extended family," fostering a sense of unity and belonging uncommon in today's corporate world. "He is, without question, a leader who genuinely cares for his team's well-being. He balances his demanding professional commitments with a nurturing and empowering environment for his team," she added. She further shared that working under Subrahmanyan’s leadership has been "a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership, where every interaction imparts valuable life lessons."

Muraleedharan called for a more thoughtful approach to understanding the context and intent behind Subrahmanyan's words. She urged the public to focus on the positive impact leaders like Subrahmanyan have, rather than dwelling on controversy. "Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it's vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them," she said. "Instead of focusing on controversy, let's celebrate and support leaders who empower, motivate, and elevate their teams, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the organization as a whole."

The controversy began when Subrahmanyan's comments, in which he suggested that employees work 90 hours a week and even on Sundays, gained attention. In a video address, Subrahmanyan made a provocative statement saying, "How long can you stare at your wife?" when discussing working weekends. When questioned about requiring employees to work on Saturdays, he remarked, "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."

These comments generated a backlash on social media, with actor Deepika Padukone expressing her shock, stating that it was "shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements." Other high-profile figures, including Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra, also criticized Subrahmanyan’s 90-hour workweek suggestion.

Social media users compared Subrahmanyan to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who had made similar comments about working long hours, advocating for a 70-hour workweek the previous year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Up Next

L&T HR Head defends Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's controversial 90-hour workweek comments

L&T HR Head defends Chairman SN Subrahmanyan's controversial 90-hour workweek comments

Sensex, Nifty fall for 6th day dragged by FII outflows, trade war fears

Sensex, Nifty fall for 6th day dragged by FII outflows, trade war fears

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 12 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 12 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 11 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 11 February 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 12, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 12, 2025

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 12, 2025: Biggest stock moves

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 12, 2025: Biggest stock moves

ADVERTISEMENT

editorji-whatsApp

More videos

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 12, 2025

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 12, 2025

Sensex plunges 1,018 pts as US tariffs fan trade war fears; stocks down for 5th day

Sensex plunges 1,018 pts as US tariffs fan trade war fears; stocks down for 5th day

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 11, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 11, 2025

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 11, 2025: Biggest stock moves

Top 5 Nifty 50 gainers today – February 11, 2025: Biggest stock moves

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 11, 2025

NSE Nifty 50: Top 5 stock losers of February 11, 2025

EU leaders vow 'firm' response to US tariffs

EU leaders vow 'firm' response to US tariffs

GST rates reduced over time, no increase on any item: Nirmala Sitharaman

GST rates reduced over time, no increase on any item: Nirmala Sitharaman

Gold surges Rs 2,430 to hit lifetime high of Rs 88,500 per 10g amid Trump's tariff threats

Gold surges Rs 2,430 to hit lifetime high of Rs 88,500 per 10g amid Trump's tariff threats

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 10 February 2025

Global stock market indices: How the world markets performed today - 10 February 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 10, 2025

Indian stock market sector-wise performance today - February 10, 2025

Editorji Technologies Pvt. Ltd. © 2022 All Rights Reserved.