Work 90 Hours A Week? After Narayana Murthy, L&T Chairman’s Comments Ignite Work-Life Debate

Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has sparked massive controversy with his remark, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?” Subrahmanyan suggested employees should work 90-hour weeks, including Sundays, igniting a heated debate on work-life balance. The comment has drawn sharp criticism on social media, with users calling it tone-deaf and disconnected from reality. Actor Deepika Padukone joined the backlash, emphasizing the importance of mental health, while citing the insensitivity of such statements from senior leaders. The controversy follows Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy’s recent advocacy for 70-hour workweeks, which also faced backlash. In contrast, Gautam Adani responded with humor, suggesting spending 8 hours with family could risk marital harmony. With Gen Z and millennials voicing concerns over India Inc.’s work culture, the debate rages on: Are long hours the key to success, or is it time for a more balanced, healthier approach?