How Long Can You Stare at Your Wife?’ L&T Chairman want employees should work on Sunday too : Remark Sparks Outrage
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has come under fire for his remarks about extended work hours, including a controversial statement that he regrets not being able to make employees work on Sundays. The comments, made during an internal employee interaction, have sparked widespread criticism, igniting a debate about work-life balance and corporate culture in India.
In an undated video that surfaced on Reddit, Subrahmanyan responded to a query regarding why L&T employees are required to work on Saturdays, saying, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays.”
The Controversial Comments
The video captures Subrahmanyan making light of employees’ personal time, questioning their activities at home. He remarked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.”
The chairman also referenced an interaction with a Chinese counterpart who claimed that China outperforms the United States because Chinese workers put in 90 hours a week, compared to the 50 hours worked by Americans. Subrahmanyan’s remarks suggested that a similar level of dedication is necessary to achieve greater success and competitiveness.
Backlash and Public Reaction
The video quickly gained traction online, with users criticizing the remarks as tone-deaf and indicative of a larger issue of toxic work culture in corporate India.
- Social Media Uproar:
The clip ignited debates on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Many users expressed outrage, arguing that Subrahmanyan’s comments downplayed the importance of work-life balance. - Criticism from Experts:
Human resource and mental health experts weighed in, pointing out the detrimental effects of overwork on employees’ well-being and productivity. They highlighted the risks of burnout and the importance of respecting personal time.
L&T Responds to the Controversy
As criticism mounted, L&T released a statement clarifying the context of Subrahmanyan’s remarks. The company emphasized that the comments were made in a lighthearted manner and should not be misconstrued as a policy directive or a reflection of the organization’s stance on work hours.
“Larsen & Toubro has always valued its employees and their contributions. We are committed to fostering a work environment that ensures a balance between professional and personal life,” the company stated.
Debate on Work Culture in India
This controversy has reignited discussions about corporate work culture in India, particularly in sectors like engineering, construction, and technology, where extended work hours are often normalized.
Key Issues Highlighted:
- Work-Life Balance:
Employees and labor rights groups argue that the expectation of working long hours, including weekends, undermines personal time and family life. - Productivity vs. Hours Worked:
Critics also question the assumption that longer work hours translate to higher productivity. Research suggests that overwork often leads to diminishing returns, as fatigue and burnout reduce efficiency. - Cultural Differences:
The reference to Chinese workers’ 90-hour weeks sparked conversations about cultural differences in work ethics and whether such practices should be emulated.
Global Trends and Alternatives
While Subrahmanyan’s remarks suggest an old-school approach to work culture, global trends are moving toward more employee-friendly practices:
- Four-Day Workweek Trials:
Companies in countries like the UK, Iceland, and Japan have experimented with four-day workweeks, reporting increased productivity and improved employee morale. - Flexible Work Models:
Post-pandemic, many organizations have adopted hybrid or remote work models to cater to employees’ need for flexibility.
What Lies Ahead for Corporate India?
The controversy surrounding SN Subrahmanyan’s remarks raises questions about the evolution of work culture in India. As younger generations prioritize work-life balance and mental health, organizations must adapt to these changing expectations to attract and retain talent.
Larsen & Toubro, a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate, now faces the challenge of addressing the backlash while reaffirming its commitment to employee welfare.
Conclusion
SN Subrahmanyan’s comments have sparked a vital conversation about work culture in India. As businesses strive to compete globally, balancing productivity with employee well-being remains a critical challenge. Whether this controversy leads to meaningful changes in corporate practices or merely fades away will depend on how companies like L&T respond to these growing concerns.