Rakesh Magotra
The recent remarks by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, advocating for a 90-hour workweek and mandatory Sunday work, have sparked a nationwide debate on the boundaries of professional commitments and personal life. His statement, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife?” trivialized the value of personal time and has been widely criticized as emblematic of an outdated, exploitative work culture.
This controversy echoes earlier comments by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who last year suggested that India’s youth should work 70-hour weeks to compete globally. Both statements have reignited concerns about hustle culture, a trend that prioritizes relentless work at the expense of mental health and personal well-being.
Prominent corporate leaders have swiftly countered Subrahmanyan’s remarks on a 90-hour workweek. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka criticized the idea, tweeting, “Work-life balance isn’t optional; it’s essential.” Marico Ltd Chairman Harsh Mariwala emphasized that success stems from the quality and passion of work, not hours clocked, while Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj dismissed such practices as “archaic and regressive,” suggesting they begin as a Proof of Concept at leadership levels. Even billionaire Gautam Adani advocated for a personalized work-life balance, recommending at least four hours of family time daily for personal fulfillment.
In order to rationalize, L&T issued a statement defending Subrahmanyan, presenting his remarks as a push for extraordinary effort in the larger mission of nation-building. However, this defense did little to quell the growing backlash. In an era where employee well-being and work-life balance are seen as essential, the comments seemed out of step with modern workplace values. The response from the public and industry leaders underscores a clear shift-people are no longer willing to accept outdated notions of overwork as a badge of honor. Instead, they are demanding workplaces that value balance and mental health alongside productivity.
The negative effects of overwork are well-documented. Studies by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have linked long work hours to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, and mental health disorders. Overwork doesn’t just harm individuals; it reduces organizational efficiency by leading to burnout, high attrition rates, and lower employee morale.
In a tragic case last year, a 26-year-old EY employee allegedly died due to overwork, sparking widespread outrage. Her death became a stark reminder of the dangers of hustle culture, which glorifies excessive hours and stigmatizes rest. As I wrote in an earlier article, “The corporate rat race may deliver profits, but at what human cost?”
While the pushback against excessive work hours is justified, there is merit in sustained focus during specific phases of professional life. Cal Newport, in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, argues that long hours of uninterrupted focus can produce groundbreaking results, especially in fields like research, technology, and startups. However, Newport also cautions that deep work is not sustainable without periods of rest and renewal.
For instance, early-stage startups often demand grueling hours to bring ideas to fruition. Similarly, researchers may spend weeks immersed in their work to achieve significant breakthroughs. In these cases, the emphasis is not on working 90 hours for the sake of it but on dedicating focused time to achieve a meaningful goal.
However, for organizations requiring extended hours, mitigating burnout is crucial. Policies should include flexible work arrangements, overtime pay, mental health resources and clear communication of expectations. Leaders must avoid glorifying overwork as a badge of honor.
The debate over Subrahmanyan’s remarks reflects a broader cultural shift in attitudes toward work. Younger generations are increasingly prioritizing work-life balance, mental health and purpose-driven careers over financial incentives. This change challenges traditional notions of success, which often equate long hours with dedication.
As a professional, I believe the focus should shift from hours worked to the quality of work produced. Long hours are not inherently harmful, but they must serve a purpose and be balanced with adequate rest and personal time. Hustle culture may promise short-term gains, but sustainable success lies in workplaces that inspire innovation and nurture employee well-being.It’s time for leaders to step up and build a future where work and life coexist harmoniously.
Beyond the confines of work, life offers countless moments of beauty and inspiration that deserve our attention. The melodious chirping of birds at dawn, the soothing warmth of sunlight on a lazy afternoon, and the joy of engaging in creative pursuits like poetry or writing can nourish the soul. Immersing oneself in music, dance or a cherished hobby brings a sense of fulfillment that no job title can match. Spirituality, too, provides a space for introspection and peace, grounding us in a world often rushing by.
By embracing these simple pleasures, we enrich our lives with meaning and create a balance that fuels both personal and professional growth.Leaders must create environments where work and life coexist harmoniously, fostering professional achievement alongside personal fulfillment.
(The author is a DGM in JK Bank)
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