L&T Chairman Narayanan Murthy’s own 70-hour work week sets an example, as he tells employees: ‘I regret we couldn’t make Sundays a workday for you’.

Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has expressed regret for not being able to make employees work on Sundays, suggesting a 90-hour workweek to remain globally competitive. His comments have sparked a heated debate on work-life balance and employee well-being. Subrahmanyan’s remarks echo those of Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy, who recently called for a 70-hour workweek. The comments have drawn criticism on social media, with users expressing concern for employees’ mental health and work-life balance, citing the risks of burnout and decreased productivity. Some critics have also pointed out that excessive work hours can negatively impact personal relationships and contribute to a lack of fulfillment. The backlash has been severe, with many users labeling Subrahmanyan and other business leaders as “leaders in baby diapers” and expressing frustration with the focus on profit over employee well-being. The debate highlights the need for a balance between work and personal life, and for leaders to prioritize employee well-being.