UN report highlights risks of long work hours as L&T chairman endorses 90-hour week

SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of the renowned conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T), recently expressed regret over not being able to make his employees work on Sundays.

His comments, which suggested a 90-hour workweek, have sparked significant backlash, especially in light of growing concerns over work-life balance and well-being.

While Subrahmanyan's remarks were intended to inspire hard work and ambition, the reality of long working hours and their potential harm to health is well-documented.

A 2021 report by the United Nations underscores the severe impact that extended office hours can have on both physical and mental health.

“It’s shocking to see so many people literally being killed by their jobs,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "Our report is a wake-up call to countries and businesses to improve and protect the health and safety of workers by honouring their commitments to provide universal coverage of occupational health and safety services.”

The UN Report and Its Findings

The United Nations’ 2021 report revealed alarming statistics about the consequences of overwork. Nearly two million people die each year due to work-related injuries and illnesses, with 1.9 million deaths recorded in 2016 alone. Among the leading causes of death were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (415,000 deaths), strokes, and ischaemic heart disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic, which normalized the concept of working from home, further exacerbated the problem, making it even more evident that long hours are increasingly becoming detrimental to people's health.

In addition to these conditions, the report highlighted 19 other occupational risk factors, including exposure to harmful substances like asbestos and prolonged sitting, which can lead to various health problems.

Work-Life Balance and Its Importance

As conversations around work-life balance grow louder, Subrahmanyan’s call for longer hours seems increasingly out of touch with modern concerns about employee health and well-being.

Actor Deepika Padukone, among others, criticized the remarks, emphasizing the importance of work-life harmony for a productive and healthy life.

Responding to the backlash, L&T clarified on Friday that the Chairman’s comments were meant to reflect the company's broader commitment to nation-building and the extraordinary efforts required to achieve ambitious goals.

ALSO READ: L&T defends chairman's 90-hour workweek remark amid mixed reactions

Health experts have long advocated for healthier work practices. Among the top suggestions are taking short breaks throughout the day, engaging in mindfulness exercises, and managing stress more effectively.

Furthermore, creating flexible work environments and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life are critical steps toward improving well-being.

Other recommended practices include:

• Taking regular breaks during work
• Engaging in mindfulness and relaxation techniques
• Managing stress and maintaining flexibility at work
• Setting clear work-life boundaries
• Staying physically active
• Eating a balanced, healthy diet
• Seeking support for mental health
• Prioritizing health and wellness goals
• Taking "me time" for personal recharge
• Setting realistic short-term goals

In conclusion, while Subrahmanyan’s comment aimed to encourage a strong work ethic, it is important to remember the growing body of evidence that supports the need for balanced work schedules.

As the UN report and health experts advise, the focus must shift toward protecting workers’ physical and mental health, ensuring sustainable productivity, and embracing a holistic approach to work.