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.