Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan has sparked a major controversy with his recent comments advising employees to work 90 hours a week. Subrahmanyan further courted criticism by remarking, “How long can you sit at home staring at your wife? Get to the office and start working.”
The statement has drawn backlash from various quarters, including prominent personalities like Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone and former badminton champion Jwala Gutta. Jwala Gutta took to social media to express her disapproval, calling Subrahmanyan’s remarks “disappointing and horrifying.” She criticized the insensitivity of such statements from a person in a high-ranking position, pointing out the lack of concern for mental health and work-life balance.
“This is disappointing and, at times, unbelievable that individuals in such esteemed positions in top institutions are so dismissive about mental well-being and can make such offensive (and gender-discriminatory) remarks so openly. It’s horrifying and disheartening,” Gutta wrote.
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Subrahmanyan’s advice to his employees to work extended hours and spend more time in the office was coupled with a controversial comment on household dynamics. Addressing his workforce, he reportedly asked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you keep staring at your wife? Come to the office and get to work.”
He went on to say, “If you want to be at the top of the world, you need to work 90 hours a week. Move forward, friends.” The comments have been criticized as tone-deaf, particularly at a time when mental health, work-life balance, and gender equality are critical global conversations.
While Subrahmanyan’s remarks aimed to inspire a rigorous work ethic, they have instead sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the need for corporate leaders to approach employee motivation with greater sensitivity and awareness.
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