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L&T Chairman’s Remarks Spark ‘Work-Life Balance’ Debate in India: Overworked Nation or Path to Progress?

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has ignited a national debate on work-life balance with his controversial remarks about working on Sundays.

• By Pooja Chaturvedi Sah
• New Delhi
• Jan 10, 2025

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Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has ignited a national debate on work-life balance with his controversial remarks about working on Sundays. In a video from an internal meeting, which went viral on social media, Subrahmanyan quipped, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I could make you work on Sundays, I would be happier. What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?” The remarks sparked outrage, with many criticizing the statement as promoting an overworked culture. 

Actor Deepika Padukone took to social media, calling the statement “shocking” and emphasizing that “#MentalHealthMatters.” Industrialist Harsh Goenka also weighed in, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Work-life balance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Well, that’s my view. Work smart, not slave.” Former badminton player Jwala Gutta called the statement both misogynistic and alarming, tweeting, “I mean…first of all, why shouldn’t he stare at his wife…and why only on a Sunday!” 

In defense, L&T released a statement contextualizing the chairman’s remarks, noting, “We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress. The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort.” 

A Larger Problem: Overwork in India 

India is already one of the most overworked nations globally. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), 51% of Indian employees work over 49 hours a week, exceeding the ILO’s recommended maximum of 48 hours. The physical and mental toll of such work hours is undeniable. 

A joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and ILO found that working over 55 hours a week increases the risk of stroke by 35% and heart disease by 17%. India’s labor laws, however, fail to address this issue adequately. While the Factories Act of 1948 protects factory workers by capping work hours at 48 per week and mandating overtime pay, such protections do not extend to corporate employees, leaving them vulnerable to burnout. 

Employee Perspectives: Stress and Burnout 

The problem of overwork isn’t new. A 2023 McKinsey Health Institute survey found that 59% of Indian respondents reported symptoms of burnout, the highest globally. 

A separate study by YourDOST reported a 31% rise in extreme workplace stress, with women bearing the brunt due to societal expectations and the dual burden of domestic and professional responsibilities. Over 72% of women in the survey reported high stress levels compared to 53.6% of men. The main stressors included unrealistic workloads, lack of recognition, and fear of judgment. “Employees today need more than just financial rewards. Emotional and mental wellness are equally critical,” noted one HR expert. 

Divided Opinions in the Corporate World 

Indian business leaders remain divided on the issue of work-life balance. Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy recently argued for a 70-hour workweek, claiming it would boost productivity. “If we want to compete with developed nations, we need to work much harder,” he said in a statement. Others, however, have pushed back. 

Shark Tank judge Namita Thapar dismissed the idea, saying, “This 70-hour workweek narrative is a crock of bullsht. Employees deserve fairness and respect, not overburdened schedules.”

Globally, leaders like Elon Musk have championed intense work cultures. Musk once stated, “Nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week.” Yet, critics argue that such approaches lead to long-term burnout and declining productivity. 

Lessons from Global Leaders 

Countries like Finland and Denmark consistently top global rankings for work-life balance, thanks to policies like flexible work arrangements, generous paid leave, and shorter workweeks. “Happier employees are more productive employees,” said a report by the International Labour Organization. Meanwhile, New Zealand has introduced laws mandating a four-day workweek in some sectors, while South Korea has reduced its maximum legal working hours from 68 to 52 per week. 

In contrast, India ranks 48th in global work-life balance rankings. With limited access to flexible work policies and a pervasive culture of presenteeism, achieving balance remains a distant goal. 

A Balanced Path Forward 

The backlash to Subrahmanyan’s comments highlights an urgent need for corporate India to rethink its approach to work-life balance. As Harsh Goenka aptly noted, “Turning life into a perpetual office shift is a recipe for burnout, not success.” 

Experts suggest that companies adopt employee-centric policies such as flexible hours, wellness initiatives, and limits on overtime. Employees, too, are prioritizing balance: a recent global survey found that 64% would willingly accept reduced pay for fewer work hours. 

Ultimately, India’s journey toward achieving a healthier work culture will depend on a balanced approach—one that prioritizes both national progress and individual well-being.