Work-Life Balance Debate Erupts Following L&T Chairman's 90-Hour Workweek Suggestion

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Work-Life Balance Debate Erupts Following L&T Chairman's 90-Hour Workweek Suggestion

Industry Leaders Respond to L&T Chairman's 90-Hour Workweek Suggestion

The recent remarks by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan advocating for a 90-hour workweek have sparked a heated debate within India's corporate landscape. While Subrahmanyan's suggestion has garnered criticism from several industry leaders, others have offered nuanced perspectives on the issue of work-life balance.

Harsh Goenka, chairman of RPG Enterprises, strongly反对ed Subrahmanyan's proposal, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance and holistic thinking. He argued that working excessively can lead to burnout and hinder decision-making abilities.

Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, took a more lighthearted approach, expressing his love for spending time with his wife and emphasizing the importance of quality work over long hours. He also highlighted the need for reflection and personal time to make sound decisions.

Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto, stressed the significance of work quality over the number of hours worked. He advocated for a top-down approach to efficiency, suggesting that leaders should set the example by working effectively within reasonable hours.

Harsh Mariwala, founder and chairman of Marico, shared his experience of working 8-10 hours a day throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of quality work over long hours. He also cautioned against pushing employees at lower levels to work beyond their scheduled shifts.

Vineet Nayar, former CEO of HCL, criticized the glorification of long working hours, emphasizing the negative impact on energy, creativity, and purpose. He advocated for a flexible approach where individuals can choose their work hours based on their needs and preferences.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, echoed Anand Mahindra's sentiment, expressing his love for spending time with his wife and prioritizing quality work over quantity.

Anupam Mittal, founder of Shaadi.com and Shark Tank India judge, offered a humorous response, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy relationship with one's spouse for population growth.

Namita Thapar, executive director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals and Shark Tank India judge, emphasized the importance of personal time for pursuing interests and hobbies, which can contribute to improved work quality and outcomes.

The debate surrounding Subrahmanyan's suggestion has brought to light the diverse perspectives on work-life balance within India's corporate world. While some leaders advocate for longer working hours, others prioritize quality work, personal time, and a healthy balance between work and life. This ongoing discussion is likely to continue as companies strive to find the optimal approach to employee productivity and well-being.