L&T HR Head Finally Breaks Silence: Clarifies Chairman’s 90-Hour Workweek Remark Amidst Public Backlash
Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Head of HR for domestic operations, Sonica Muraleedharan, has publicly addressed the growing controversy surrounding the company’s chairman and managing director, S.N. Subrahmanyan’s (SNS) recent comments on longer working hours. His remarks about a 90-hour workweek and working on Sundays sparked intense debates on work-life balance across social media, with many industry professionals and the public criticizing the statements as unrealistic and harmful to employee well-being.
However, Muraleedharan has now clarified that the comments were misunderstood and taken out of context, urging the public to avoid misjudgments and focus on the chairman’s leadership values instead.
Clarifying the Context Behind SNS’s Remarks
The controversy originated from a video of an internal address where SNS commented on the need for greater professional commitment. In the viral clip, he humorously expressed regret for not being able to make employees work on Sundays and rhetorically questioned how long one could “stare at their spouse” on weekends. He further remarked that working 90 hours a week could be essential for those aiming to reach the top of their professional fields.
The video quickly triggered public backlash, with many perceiving it as a promotion of extreme work culture at the cost of employee health and personal life. Critics, including prominent business figures, voiced concerns about unrealistic corporate expectations in modern workplaces.
However, Muraleedharan took to LinkedIn to clarify that SNS’s comments were never intended as a formal directive. She stressed that the statements were made casually and humorously during an internal interaction, rather than as a serious proposal to enforce a 90-hour workweek at L&T.
“Having been present during the internal address, I can confidently state that SNS never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks. His remarks were casual in nature and have been misinterpreted, fueling a controversy that doesn’t reflect his true intentions,” she wrote.
Highlighting SNS’s Supportive Leadership Style
In her statement, Muraleedharan, who has been with L&T for nearly five years, praised SNS’s leadership style as both supportive and inspiring. She described his leadership philosophy as employee-centric, with a focus on professional growth, personal development, and employee well-being.
According to Muraleedharan, SNS fosters a culture of unity and inclusivity within the organization, where employees feel valued and empowered. His leadership style, she emphasized, goes beyond professional success, aiming to nurture talent and encourage skill development.
She further noted that SNS consistently prioritizes employee feedback and engagement, regularly making time to personally connect with staff despite his demanding schedule. His approach, she said, is one of mentorship and empowerment, treating employees as part of an extended family rather than just a workforce.
“SNS consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance professional commitments while ensuring his team members feel valued and supported. His focus has always been on growth, innovation, and nurturing talent,” she added.
L&T’s Official Statement: Clarifying the Bigger Picture
Following the backlash, an official spokesperson from L&T also addressed the controversy, reinforcing that the chairman’s statements were not meant as a mandate. The company clarified that the remarks aimed to emphasize the importance of hard work and collective effort for national progress rather than impose unrealistic working hours.
The spokesperson explained that SNS’s comments were made in the context of India’s current phase of economic growth, stressing the need for focus, dedication, and productivity to help the nation achieve its development goals. The company emphasized that professional success involves commitment but must also be balanced with employee well-being.
Check Out Sonica’s LinkedIn Post:
Broader Conversations on Work Hours in India
This is not the first time that an Indian business leader’s comments on extended working hours have sparked public debate. In 2023, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy faced significant criticism after suggesting that Indians should work 70 hours a week to drive national progress. His statement led to widespread discussions on productivity versus work-life balance, with many arguing that excessive work hours could lead to burnout and diminished productivity rather than positive outcomes.
The backlash faced by SNS and Murthy highlights the ongoing tension between professional ambition and personal well-being in India’s corporate culture. While some leaders argue for increased commitment to achieve global competitiveness, critics emphasize the importance of sustainable work practices for long-term success.
A Call for Balanced Leadership Perception
Muraleedharan concluded her LinkedIn post by urging the public to consider the broader context and intent behind SNS’s words before rushing to conclusions. She reaffirmed that the chairman’s leadership style has always prioritized holistic development, inspiring employees through mentorship and positive reinforcement rather than pressure.
“It’s vital to recognize the efforts of leaders who motivate and empower their teams rather than misinterpreting statements made casually during internal discussions,” she wrote.
Her statement serves as a reminder of the importance of clarity in leadership communication, especially in the age of viral content where statements can be easily misunderstood. While professional commitment remains a cornerstone of success, fostering a culture of empathy and balance remains equally critical for long-term growth.
