L&T HR head on chairman’s 90-hour work week comment: It is truly disheartening to see our…

In a move to address the controversy surrounding L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s recent remarks about 90-hour workweeks, the company's HR head, Sonica Muraleedharan, has expressed strong disagreement. Muraleedharan took to LinkedIn to clarify the chairman's statement, calling it "truly disheartening" to see his words misinterpreted.

She emphasized that Subrahmanyan "never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks." Muraleedharan went on to portray Subrahmanyan as someone who values his employees, stating, "He treats every employee as part of an extended family... He always encourages us to...grow both personally and professionally."

This clarification comes after Subrahmanyan's comments sparked debate about work-life balance and healthy work cultures in India's corporate sector. Many found the idea of a 90-hour workweek unrealistic and potentially detrimental to employee well-being.

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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.

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.

It’s crucial to take a step back and fully understand the context and intent behind his words before rushing to judgement. 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.
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