L&T Chairman opens up on facing backlash for 90-hr workweek and ‘How long can you stare at your wife?’ remarks

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently opened up about the widespread criticism he faced after suggesting that employees should work 90 hours a week, including Sundays.

The L&T boss further said that his wife was terribly upset, as she was also dragged into the controversy.

Subrahmanyan said it was "a casual answer", adding he was unaware of being recorded.

L&T chairman clarifies 90-hour workweek and 'stare at your wife' remarks

"In hindsight, I could have answered differently. Normally, I speak in an easy manner, that's my style," he told Moneycontrol.

Clarifying his stance, the  L&T Chief said he made the statement while under immense pressure due to project delays and concerns raised by clients.

He mentioned that five or six clients, including some very high-profile ones, were reaching out to him through calls and emails, raising concerns about the progress. 

"I was worried because we were struggling to mobilise staff and labour, and work was not happening the way it should," he added.

The company was not delivering results as expected, Subrahmanyan admitted.

"It was not good to be called out at that level. It doesn't reflect well on me or the organisation," he added.

Would his response change or differ if asked today? "It has not been easy. It has preyed on my mind. But what happened, happened. I cannot withdraw it now. If a similar question comes in a similar mood, maybe I'll answer differently," the L&T Chairman said.

"And performance is our oxygen. When it goes wrong, things come out in that manner," he remarked.

In January this year, the L&T boss drew a comparison with the Chinese, saying they worked 90 hours a week, while Americans worked only 50 hours. He suggested his employees follow China, which could surpass the US because of their strong work ethic. 

He went ahead and made a critical remark that entwined him in a protracted controversy: "What do you do sitting at home?” Subrahmanyam said. “How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working."

"If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also," he had said.

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