
The suggestion of a 90-hour work week by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan during an internal meeting has triggered a wave of controversy online. This proposal, suggesting that employees should work long hours and even on Sundays, has garnered mixed reactions from the public and prominent figures in the industry. Veteran investor Vijay Kedia mocked the idea of employees working 90-hour weeks in a sarcastic post on a social media platform, highlighting how such a demanding schedule could benefit bosses financially, potentially enabling them to purchase luxury items like Lamborghinis.
L&T chairman Subrahmanyan's remarks have reignited the debate surrounding work-life balance and the expectations placed on employees in the corporate world. His comments questioning what employees do at home and encouraging them to work excessive hours have been met with criticism from various quarters. Anupam Mittal, the founder of Shaadi.com and a judge on Shark Tank India, responded wittily to Subrahmanyan's suggestion about looking at spouses, humorously pointing out the potential implications of not doing so on the population growth.
Within this dialogue, industry heavyweight Anand Mahindra emphasized the importance of quality work over long hours. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, Mahindra advocated for efficient time usage to drive productivity and innovation, suggesting that significant impact can be achieved in just 10 hours of focused work. His perspective contrasts with Subrahmanyan's emphasis on extended work hours, highlighting the ongoing debate in the corporate world about the most effective approach to work.