The ongoing debate over work-life balance, particularly in the corporate sector, has once again been brought into sharp focus following controversial comments made by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. His advocacy for a 90-hour workweek sparked outrage and reignited discussions on the importance of maintaining a balance between work responsibilities and personal well-being in today’s demanding professional landscape. Subrahmanyan’s remark that one cannot “stare at your wife” for long periods further fueled the controversy, with critics questioning the appropriateness of such comments, especially given their implications on family dynamics and personal relationships.
The debate was amplified by the revelation of Subrahmanyan’s substantial remuneration package of Rs 51.05 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24, which drew attention to the stark disparity in pay between corporate leaders and their employees. At 534.57 times the median salary of an L&T worker, Subrahmanyan’s compensation became a symbol of the growing income inequality within large corporations. This income gap added another layer of complexity to the conversation, with critics arguing that corporate leaders advocating for long hours should first consider the pressures placed on their employees, who may be expected to work long hours for far less financial reward.
Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, L&T issued a statement defending its chairman, clarifying that his remarks were taken out of context and misinterpreted. Nevertheless, Subrahmanyan's comments prompted significant backlash from various quarters, particularly from industry leaders who voiced their opposition to the idea of excessively long workweeks.
Prominent business figures quickly weighed in on the debate, emphasizing the importance of working smarter rather than longer. Harsh Goenka, Chairman of RPG Enterprises, expressed his disagreement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he sarcastically remarked that a 90-hour workweek would necessitate renaming Sunday to “Sun-duty” and making the concept of a “day off” a thing of the past. He went on to underscore his belief that success is derived from working smart, not simply by clocking in more hours. Goenka passionately argued that work-life balance is not just a luxury but a necessity for both personal fulfillment and professional success, stating, “Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave.” His comments resonated with many professionals who believe that long hours can be counterproductive and ultimately lead to burnout and diminished productivity.
Similarly, Harsh Mariwala, Chairman of Marico Ltd, echoed Goenka’s views, stating that while hard work is an essential ingredient for success, the focus should not be on the sheer quantity of hours worked, but rather on the quality and passion brought to those hours. Mariwala suggested that young professionals are more likely to thrive in environments where they are given opportunities for growth and learning. When employees can see a clear link between their hard work and a promising future, they are naturally motivated to give their best, he argued. Mariwala also stressed the importance of creating organizational cultures that are built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect, which would, in turn, facilitate a seamless integration of work and personal life.
Mariwala’s perspective aligns with a growing body of research suggesting that work environments that prioritize employee well-being and offer opportunities for growth lead to higher levels of engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction. By fostering a culture that is both rewarding and invigorating, organizations can reduce the need for employees to sacrifice their personal lives in order to excel professionally.
Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, also contributed to the discourse by criticizing the outdated and regressive approach of measuring success based on long work hours. Bajaj proposed that the idea of extended workweeks could be tested at the top levels of an organization first, and if proven effective, could then be implemented throughout the organization. He argued that the practice of judging productivity solely by the number of hours worked was outdated and counterproductive in today’s business environment. Bajaj’s comments reflect a broader shift in corporate philosophy, where the emphasis is increasingly on innovation, creativity, and efficiency, rather than simply putting in long hours.
This controversy is not an isolated incident, as similar comments have been made by other prominent leaders in the business world. Last year, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy suggested that young professionals should work 70-hour weeks, a sentiment that was endorsed by Ola founder Bhavish Aggarwal. However, such views have been met with significant criticism from those who argue that such long hours can lead to burnout and adversely affect mental health. As the nature of work evolves, many believe that there is a growing need to reassess the traditional notion of success, which has often been tied to working longer and harder.
In contrast to Subrahmanyan, Murthy, and Aggarwal, billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani recently shared his perspective on work-life balance. In a candid interview, Adani stated that the concept of work-life balance is subjective and should not be imposed on others. He emphasized that individuals should be free to find their own balance based on their personal preferences and circumstances. Adani suggested that spending time with family is an important aspect of work-life balance, recommending that individuals aim to spend at least four hours a day with their loved ones. His perspective reflects a more flexible approach to balancing work and personal life, one that acknowledges the unique needs and preferences of individuals.
Adani’s comments align with a growing recognition among business leaders that work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept. Each individual may have a different understanding of what constitutes a balanced life, and the key is to find a personalized approach that works for them. For some, this might mean dedicating more time to their career, while for others, it might involve prioritizing family time or pursuing personal interests outside of work.
Ultimately, the ongoing debate about work-life balance highlights the need for a more nuanced and flexible approach to work expectations. While some corporate leaders continue to advocate for long hours as a path to success, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of employee well-being and the need for a balanced life. As the nature of work continues to evolve, it is likely that organizations will place greater emphasis on creating environments that foster both professional success and personal fulfillment.
