‘Misunderstood’, SN Subramanian’s 90-hour work statement defended by L&T’s HR chief

New Delhi| Sonika Muraleedharan, HR head of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has defended Chairman SN Subramanian’s statement advising employees to work 90 hours a week. After this statement a big debate broke out in the entire country. B of the controversy. Financial celebrities also responded. Many industrialists had also criticized Subramanian’s advice. Now Sonika Muraleedharan, while clarifying the matter, said that the Chairman’s comment was misinterpreted. It was taken out of its context and completely misunderstood.

In a post on LinkedIn, he said, ‘It is really disappointing to see how the words of our MD and Chairman SN Subramanian were taken out of context, which gave rise to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism. As a witness to his statement I can say with full confidence that he never indicated or mandated a 90-hour working week

‘Subramanian’s comment was accidental in nature’
According to HR, Subramanian’s comments were casual in nature. Speaking on his leadership style, Muraleedharan said, ‘He considers every employee as a part of his family. They promote a sense of unity and belonging, which is rare in today’s corporate world’

‘Working under his leadership is more than just a job’
He said that SN Subramanian is without any doubt a leader who really cares about the well-being of his team. He creates a nurturing and empowering environment for his team. They are replete with the extraordinary ability to balance such professional commitments. Working under his leadership is more than just a job.

‘Completely understand the context and intention behind the Chairman’s words’
Muraleedharan urged people to take a step back and fully understand the context and intention behind the words of the L&T chairman. He said leaders like him inspire positive change and development and it is important to recognize their efforts rather than misunderstand them.

What did SN Subramaniam say?
Infosys chief Narayana Murthy’s opinion on working 70 hours a week was much talked about on social media. A lot of controversy also arose over his statement. After this, another name was added to the controversial comment on working hours and that was that of L&T (Larsen & Toubro) Chairman SN Subramaniam. Subramaniam had said in a video of his conversation with employees that he should work 90 hours a week and should not take leave even on Sundays. He had asked the staff, ‘How long can you stare at your wife?’ He had appealed to the employees to spend less time at home and more time in the office.