'Leaders Like SNS...': L&T's HR Head Defends CMD Subrahmanyan's 90-Hour Work Week Remark

In a social media post, Sonica Muraleedharan expressed disappointment over how Subrahmanyan’s remarks were "misinterpreted", resulting in unwarranted backlash.

L&T Chairman and Managing Director SN Subrahmanyan.

Source : LTIMindtree

Sonica Muraleedharan, Head of HR for domestic operations at Larsen & Toubro (L&T), took to LinkedIn to respond to the controversy ignited by the company’s Chairman and Managing Director, S.N. Subrahmanyan remarks on long working hours. His recent comments about having a work week of 90 hours have sparked widespread debate on social media, with several industry leaders also voicing their criticisms.

In a detailed post, Sonica expressed disappointment over how Subrahmanyan’s remarks were taken out of context and misinterpreted, resulting in unwarranted backlash. She clarified that during the internal discussion where the comments were made, Subrahmanyan never mandated or suggested a 90-hour workweek. Instead, his comments were casual and not meant to impose any directive. Sonica stressed that the controversy misrepresents his leadership style, which she described as supportive, inclusive, and focused on employee well-being.

She wrote, “It’s truly disheartening to see how the words of our MD & Chairman, S.N. Subrahmanyan (SNS) have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism. Having been present during the internal address, I can confidently state that SNS never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks. His remarks were casual in nature and have been misinterpreted, fuelling a controversy that doesn’t reflect his true intentions.”

“With nearly five years in this organization and numerous addresses from SNS under my belt, I can personally vouch for his leadership style. He treats every employee as part of an extended family, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that’s rare in today’s corporate world. SNS consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance his demanding professional commitments while creating a nurturing and empowering environment for his team. He always encourages us to embrace innovation, continuously develop our skills, and grow both personally and professionally. Despite his packed schedule, he takes the time to connect with employees and ensure their voices are heard,” she added.

She further added that SNS is, without question, a leader who genuinely cares for his team’s well-being. “His visionary leadership and deep commitment to supporting his employees sets him apart as a mentor who leads by example. Working under his leadership has been more than just a job – it has been a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership, where every interaction imparts valuable life lessons,” she wrote.

“It’s crucial to take a step back and fully understand the context and intent behind his words before rushing to judgment. Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them. Instead of focusing on controversy, let’s celebrate and support leaders who empower, motivate, and elevate their teams, leaving a lasting, positive impact on the organization as a whole,” she concluded.

L&T Chairman’s Comment

Meanwhile, the controversy erupted when a video of SNS’s comments during an internal discussion went viral on social media platforms like X and LinkedIn. In the video, SNS expressed "regret" about not being able to make employees work on Sundays, jokingly questioning what they do at home and how long they could stare at their spouse. He also suggested that employees would need to work 90 hours a week to reach the top. These remarks sparked widespread debates on work-life balance and productivity, with many criticising the idea of extended working hours as unrealistic and harmful to employee well-being.