L&T's HR Responds: Chairman's Remarks Misunderstood Amid Backlash

Delhi's business community and various societal segments have expressed their disapproval following remarks made by S.N. Subrahmanyan, chairman of L&T, suggesting employees work 90 hours a week. This contentious statement has sparked widespread debate, prompting a response from the company's human resources department. Muralidharan, the HR head of L&T, clarified that the chairman's comments were not meant to be taken as a directive but were instead a casual remark that has been greatly misinterpreted.

Muralidharan emphasized, "He did not mandate or even suggest that employees must work 90 hours a week during internal discussions. It was a casual comment that was misunderstood. This has fueled a controversy that does not reflect his true intention. Subrahmanyan considers every employee in the company as his family member, which is rare in the current corporate world." This statement aims to mitigate the backlash by highlighting the chairman's genuine concern and familial regard for his employees, suggesting that the 90-hour workweek comment was not an official policy but rather an offhand remark that was taken out of context.

In light of the controversy, it's noteworthy that other companies, such as ITC, adopt a different approach towards employee work ethic and productivity. Sanjiv Puri, ITC's chairman, stated that their focus lies not in the number of hours worked but in the outcomes achieved by their employees. "We don't evaluate how many hours employees work, we only look at how much each employee has achieved," Puri explained. This method aligns with a growing trend in the corporate sector that prioritizes results over the traditional emphasis on long working hours.

The unfolding situation highlights a critical discussion in the corporate world regarding work culture, employee welfare, and productivity metrics. As companies navigate these discussions, the emphasis seems to be shifting towards a more balanced approach that values results and employee well-being over mere physical presence or long hours. This incident with L&T serves as a catalyst for broader conversations about work-life balance, employee satisfaction, and how companies can foster a supportive and productive work environment.