90 hours per week! L&T vs Narayan murthy

N.R. Narayana Murthy’s Statements

conflicts to Murthy’s Statements

• Many critics argued that Indian workers already have long working hours compared to global standards, with average annual working hours higher than those in the U.S., Germany, and Brazil.
• Concerns were raised about the impact of such a work schedule on employees’ work-life balance, mental health, and physical well-being.
• Younger generations, who increasingly value balanced lifestyles, expressed resistance to the idea of extended work hours.
• Supporters of Murthy’s idea believe it could help India compete globally by fostering a stronger work ethic and higher productivity.

Contributions to Infrastructure and Governance

• Murthy has actively contributed to improving Bengaluru’s infrastructure through initiatives like the Bangalore Agenda Task Force and the Bangalore City Connect Foundation.
• He has supported various projects aimed at enhancing governance and urban development in Karnataka.

Philanthropy and Social Initiatives

• Following the 2009 floods in Karnataka, Infosys, Biocon, and Wipro pledged to rebuild homes for affected families.
• Biocon, under the leadership of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, committed to building 3,000 houses, with an estimated cost of ₹30 crore, showcasing collective corporate responsibility.

Corporate and Advisory Roles

• Murthy has served on the boards of prominent organizations such as HSBC, DBS Bank, Unilever, ICICI, and NDTV.
• He is a member of advisory boards for several esteemed educational and philanthropic institutions, including Cornell University, INSEAD, and the Ford Foundation.

Economic Influence and Net Worth

• As of August 2024, Narayana Murthy’s net worth was estimated at $5.1 billion.
• His contributions to the technology sector and the establishment of Infosys as a global IT leader are widely recognized.

Criticism and Context

• While Murthy’s advocacy for hard work aligns with his principles of discipline and dedication, his views on a 70-hour workweek have faced criticism for being impractical in the current social and economic climate.
• His vision is often seen as rooted in an older work culture, contrasting with the evolving priorities of modern professionals.

Role in National and Global Dialogue

• Murthy’s statements reflect broader discussions on productivity, work culture, and the future of labor in India.
• As a respected business leader, his views continue to influence public opinion and policy discussions.

This detailed report consolidates Narayana Murthy’s contributions, opinions, and the public response to his recent statements, offering a holistic view of his role in shaping India’s workforce and economic discourse.

Statements and Controversy Surrounding L&T’s S.N. Subrahmanyan

1. Controversial Remarks on Work Hours

• S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), made controversial statements in an undated New Year address that resurfaced in January 2025.
• Responding to an employee’s query about mandatory Saturday work, he expressed regret that employees were not required to work on Sundays as well, stating it would make him happy since he himself works on Sundays.
• Subrahmanyan questioned how long spouses could spend time looking at each other at home, suggesting employees should consider coming to work on Sundays instead.

2. Justification of Longer Work Hours

• He cited a conversation with a Chinese individual who highlighted that extended work hours might help China surpass the United States economically.
• Subrahmanyan went on to endorse a 90-hour workweek, emphasizing that achieving top-tier success requires extraordinary commitment and effort.

3. Public Backlash and Criticism

• The remarks drew widespread criticism, especially in the context of concerns about toxic work environments in India.
• This incident followed the tragic 2024 suicide of an Indian Chartered Accountant, which was attributed to excessive work pressure, further intensifying scrutiny of such statements.
• Prominent personalities like Harsh Goenka and Deepika Padukone voiced their disapproval of Subrahmanyan’s comments on social media.

4. Economic Disparity Highlighted

• Subrahmanyan’s substantial remuneration in 2024, amounting to ₹51 crore (approximately $6 million), was brought into focus, especially when compared to L&T’s median employee salary of ₹9.55 lakh (approximately $11,000).
• Critics questioned whether such statements were appropriate given the disparity in workloads and compensation.

5. Defense from L&T

• A spokesperson for Larsen & Toubro defended Subrahmanyan’s remarks, describing them as a call for collective dedication and effort to drive progress.
• The defense emphasized that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort and that the statements were made in the spirit of motivating employees.

6. Health Implications and Debate

• Subrahmanyan’s endorsement of extended work hours was challenged by research and reports highlighting the adverse effects of excessive work on mental and physical health.
• The controversy has fueled ongoing discussions about work-life balance, employee well-being, and the expectations placed on workers in India’s corporate environment.

This episode reflects broader issues of work culture, corporate responsibility, and the balance between ambition and employee welfare in India’s rapidly evolving economic landscape.