Anand Mahindra, Rajiv Bajaj, and other industrialists have joined the debate sparked by L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s controversial remarks about a 90-hour work week.
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan advocated for a 90-hour work week and suggested that employees should even give up Sundays, and work then instead.
“How long can you stare at your wife,” Subrahmanyan is heard saying in a purported video address to employees where he urged them to spend less time at home and more in the office.
Also ReadLarsen & Toubro Chairman faces backlash over 90-hour workweek remarks; Industry reacts
Asked why L&T required its employees to work on Saturdays, he said, “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.” His comments have drawn sharp criticism from several business leaders.
Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra responded to the debate by emphasising the importance of quality over quantity in work. Speaking at the National Youth Festival in Delhi, Mahindra stated, “Let me not get this wrong, of course, but I have to say something. I think this debate is in the wrong direction because this debate is about the quantity of work.”
He highlighted that the focus should be on “what output are you doing?” and argued that even in 10 hours, one can make a significant impact, saying, “You can change the world in 10 hours.”
Mahindra further said that the need for a well-rounded approach to decision-making. “We have to have leaders and people in your company who make wise decisions, wise choices,” he said, adding that leaders should be exposed to arts and culture for holistic thinking. He also stressed the importance of spending time with family and friends to bring the right inputs into decision-making, such as understanding customer preferences.
Other industrialists weighed in, with Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla siding with Mahindra, sharing a playful remark on X, “Even my wife loves staring at me on Sundays.”
Yes @anandmahindra, even my wife @NPoonawalla thinks i am wonderful, she loves staring at me on Sundays. Quality of work over quantity always. #worklifebalance pic.twitter.com/5Lr1IjOB6r
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