Last Updated on August 21, 2025 by Admin
S.N. Subrahmanyan opens up about backlash over controversial 90-hour work week remarks, admits wife was “terribly upset”
Seven months after sparking a nationwide controversy over his suggestion that employees should work 90 hours per week, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan has finally broken his silence, admitting that he would have handled the situation differently and revealing the personal toll the backlash took on his family.
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Chairman’s Candid Admission
In a revealing interview with Moneycontrol, Subrahmanyan acknowledged that his remarks were “a casual answer” and confessed he was unaware of being recorded during the internal employee interaction that went viral in January 2025.
“In hindsight, I could have answered differently. Normally, I speak in an easy manner, that’s my style,” Subrahmanyan told the publication, showing a rare moment of introspection from the typically confident executive.
The chairman also revealed the personal impact of the controversy, stating that his wife was “terribly upset” as she was also dragged into the controversy. This refers to his controversial comment during the original incident where he asked employees, “How long can you stare at your wife?”
Context Behind the Controversial Remarks
Subrahmanyan provided crucial context about the circumstances that led to his inflammatory comments. He explained that he was under immense pressure at the time due to project delays and mounting concerns from high-profile clients.
“I was worried because we were struggling to mobilise staff and labour, and work was not happening the way it should,” he admitted. The chairman revealed that five or six clients, including some very high-profile ones, were reaching out to him through calls and emails, raising concerns about project progress.
Most significantly, Subrahmanyan acknowledged that the company was not delivering results as expected, stating, “It was not good to be called out at that level. It doesn’t reflect well on me or the organisation.”
Reflection on Leadership Under Pressure
The L&T chief offered insight into his leadership style under stress, explaining that “performance is our oxygen. When it goes wrong, things come out in that manner.” This candid admission provides a window into the high-pressure environment of leading one of India’s largest engineering conglomerates.
When asked whether his response would change if faced with a similar situation today, Subrahmanyan was philosophical: “It has not been easy. It has preyed on my mind. But what happened, happened. I cannot withdraw it now. If a similar question comes in a similar mood, maybe I’ll answer differently.”
The Original Controversy Revisited
The controversy erupted in January 2025 when a video of Subrahmanyan’s internal employee interaction went viral on Reddit. In the footage, he had responded to questions about L&T’s six-day workweek by 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”.
His most controversial comment came when he questioned what employees do during personal time: “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working.”
To justify his position, Subrahmanyan had cited China’s work culture, claiming that Chinese people work 90 hours a week while Americans work only 50 hours, suggesting that such dedication was necessary for global competitiveness.
Company’s Initial Defense and Subsequent Fallout
Initially, L&T had strongly defended Subrahmanyan’s remarks, with the company stating that “extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary efforts” and describing the comments as reflecting “larger ambitions” for India’s development.
The company had emphasized that “nation-building is at the core of our mandate” and that the chairman’s remarks reflected the collective dedication needed to realize India’s vision of becoming a developed nation.
Celebrity and Industry Backlash
The controversy had drawn sharp criticism from multiple quarters. Bollywood actress and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone had called the remarks “shocking,” writing on Instagram: “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
When L&T issued its defense of the chairman, Padukone responded even more critically, posting “And they just made it worse.”
RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka had tweeted: “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success.”
Economic and Industry Context
The controversy occurred against the backdrop of ongoing debates about India’s work culture. Former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan had criticized Subrahmanyan’s suggestion, dismissing it as a reflection of older generations’ habitual complaints about youth.
According to International Labour Organization data, over 51% of Indian employees already work more than 49 hours per week, far exceeding global averages and significantly higher than countries like China (35%) and the United States (11%).
HR Department’s Damage Control Efforts
In the aftermath of the controversy, L&T HR Head Sonika Muralidharan had attempted damage control, posting on LinkedIn that the chairman’s statement was taken out of context and emphasizing that it was not a directive or formal suggestion.
Muralidharan had defended Subrahmanyan’s leadership style, describing him as “a leader who genuinely cares for his team” and stating that his remarks were “casual in nature and have been misinterpreted.”
Broader Implications for Corporate India
The controversy had reignited discussions about toxic work culture in India, particularly following high-profile cases of work-related stress and burnout in the corporate sector. The debate also brought attention to the significant pay disparities, with Subrahmanyan’s 2024 remuneration of ₹51 crore compared to L&T’s median employee salary of ₹9.55 lakh.
The incident had drawn comparisons to similar remarks by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who had previously advocated for a 70-hour work week, suggesting a pattern among some of India’s business leaders pushing for extended working hours.
Mixed Reactions from Employees
The controversy had generated mixed reactions from current and former L&T employees. A former L&T employee, Amey Kulkarni, had supported Subrahmanyan, stating that the chairman’s 90-hour work week comment was “in exact sync with what his company requires,” describing L&T as “a hierarchical organisation like the army where work ethic and discipline” are prioritized.
However, this support generated further backlash from netizens who suggested that if L&T had excessive workloads, the company should hire and train more people rather than overworking existing staff.
Looking Forward: Lessons in Leadership Communication
Subrahmanyan’s recent admission marks a significant shift from L&T’s initial defensive stance. His acknowledgment that he “could have answered differently” and his revelation about the personal toll on his family humanizes a controversy that had been seen primarily through the lens of corporate culture and worker rights.
The chairman’s candid reflection serves as a reminder that leadership communication, particularly in high-pressure situations, can have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate organizational context. His admission that the controversy “has preyed on my mind” suggests a deeper understanding of the impact his words can have on public discourse and employee morale.
Industry Response and Future Implications
The controversy and its aftermath have prompted broader discussions about sustainable work practices in India’s corporate sector. TCS CEO K Krithivasan had offered a more balanced perspective, emphasizing that work-life balance varies by individual and circumstances: “There are weeks I work 60 hours, there are weeks that I work only 40 hours. I think over a period of time you find your own balance and you become happy.”
As India continues its push for economic development and global competitiveness, the balance between ambitious growth targets and employee wellbeing remains a critical challenge for corporate leaders. Subrahmanyan’s reflection on his controversial remarks may signal a broader recognition within India Inc. that sustainable success requires not just hard work, but also thoughtful leadership and consideration for employee welfare.
This story continues to develop as India’s corporate sector grapples with questions of work-life balance and sustainable growth strategies. For the latest updates on business and corporate news, visit our Business Section.
