GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th Jan. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Head of HR, Sonica Muraleedharan, has come to the defense of Chairman SN Subrahmanyan after his recent remarks on a 90-hour workweek sparked nationwide controversy. Muraleedharan stated that Subrahmanyan’s comments, which were widely criticized, were “misinterpreted” and taken out of context.
In a LinkedIn post, Muraleedharan expressed disappointment over the misunderstanding, clarifying that the Chairman never intended to mandate 90-hour workweeks. “His remarks were casual in nature and not meant to be taken literally,” she explained. Muraleedharan, who was present during Subrahmanyan’s internal address, emphasized that his leadership style focuses on treating employees as part of an extended family, fostering unity and belonging within the company.
Describing Subrahmanyan as a leader who cares deeply for his team’s well-being, Muraleedharan highlighted his exceptional ability to balance professional commitments with creating a nurturing and empowering environment. “Working under his leadership has been a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership,” she wrote.
Amid the backlash, including comments from prominent figures such as actors and business leaders, Muraleedharan urged people to understand the context and intent behind Subrahmanyan’s words. “Instead of focusing on controversy, let’s celebrate and support leaders who empower, motivate, and elevate their teams,” she added.
The controversy erupted after Subrahmanyan’s remarks, made last week, suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week, even on Sundays, to stay competitive. His statement sparked outrage on social media, with celebrities and industry leaders, including Deepika Padukone, Adar Poonawalla, and Anand Mahindra, expressing their disapproval. Subrahmanyan’s comments were also compared to those of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who had previously advocated for 70-hour workweeks.
The debate over work-life balance and the expectations placed on employees in senior leadership positions continues to resonate across the corporate world.
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