‘Extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort’: L&T backs chairman’s comments on 90-hour work week

In an exclusive statement to CNBC-TV18, an L&T spokesperson said, “At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasising that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. At L&T, we remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward.”

What’s the controversy?

The controversy erupted after a video circulated on the social media platform Reddit showed that Subrahmanyan, during an internal interaction, suggested employees work on Sundays and questioned the need for time off.

Responding to a query about work being mandatory on Saturday, he was seen as saying that, “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.”

Why Indians should emulate Chinese work culture

The L&T chairman cited an anecdote referring to a conversation with a Chinese professional to support his stance, where Subrahmanyan claimed, that “Chinese people work 90 hours a week, while Americans work only 50 hours a week. If you have got to be on top of the world, you have to work 90 hours a week.”

The video, widely circulated on Reddit, has created a social media storm with sharp reactions from many users. Comparisons were also made to recent controversial statements by Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy, who advocated for a 70-hour workweek for young professionals.