Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Head of Human Resources, Sonica Muraleedharan, has stepped forward to defend the company’s Chairman and Managing Director (MD), SN Subrahmanyan, following a nationwide debate triggered by his recent remarks on employees working 90 hours a week. The comments have drawn widespread criticism and responses from notable personalities, including celebrities and industry leaders.
In a LinkedIn post, Muraleedharan described the situation as a misunderstanding, stating that Subrahmanyan’s remarks had been “misinterpreted” and taken out of context.
“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 said.
Muraleedharan clarified that the Chairman’s remarks were casual in nature and did not reflect an official stance or policy of the company. She also highlighted Subrahmanyan’s leadership qualities, emphasizing his commitment to the well-being of employees and the nurturing work environment he fosters.
“He treats every employee as part of an extended family, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that’s rare in today’s corporate world. Working under his leadership has been more than just a job – it has been a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership, where every interaction imparts valuable life lessons,” she added.
Amid the controversy, Muraleedharan urged the public to take a step back and evaluate the context and intent behind Subrahmanyan’s comments.
“Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them. 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,” she stated.
Controversial Remarks
The uproar began after a purported video of Subrahmanyan surfaced, in which he was heard suggesting that employees should work 90 hours a week and even on Sundays to remain competitive.
“How long can you stare at your wife?” he remarked in the video. When asked about the company’s practice of requiring employees to work on Saturdays, he said, “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 statements have sparked sharp reactions on social media. Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone called the remarks “shocking” for someone in a senior leadership position. Industry leaders like Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra also weighed in, mocking the idea of a 90-hour work week.
Broader Reactions
Social media users were quick to draw comparisons between Subrahmanyan and Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who last year advocated for a 70-hour work week to boost productivity. The debate continues to stir opinions nationwide, with many questioning the sustainability and ethics of such expectations in corporate environments.
