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The recent comments by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S N Subrahmanyan advocating for 90-hour workweeks have ignited a fierce debate surrounding work-life balance and productivity. Subrahmanyan's remarks, which prioritized work above family life, were met with widespread criticism and sparked a renewed conversation about the sustainability of such demanding schedules. His statement, circulated on Reddit, questioning the time spent with family, further fueled the controversy, highlighting the potential negative impact on employee well-being and overall work efficiency. This debate is not new; it's a recurring theme in the business world, especially as globalization and intense competition push companies to achieve more in less time.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, directly addressed the controversy during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos. He strongly refuted the notion that working 70 or 90 hours a week is productive, arguing that human beings cannot maintain optimal productivity beyond 8-9 hours daily. While acknowledging that intense periods requiring extended work hours exist, particularly in entrepreneurial ventures or during crises (such as the COVID-19 pandemic he experienced), he emphasized that this shouldn't be the norm. Poonawalla's perspective underlines the importance of strategic and quality work rather than simply accumulating hours. He pointed out that his own work schedule, while often exceeding 8 hours a day, incorporates periods of leisure and flexibility, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balance, even within a high-pressure environment.
The discourse surrounding optimal working hours extends beyond the individual experiences of Poonawalla and Subrahmanyan. Earlier debates, such as that sparked by Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy's advocacy for a 70-hour work week in 2023, have also contributed to this ongoing conversation. Murthy's initial suggestion, intended to enhance India's global competitiveness, later evolved into a call for introspection rather than a rigid mandate. This shift reflects a growing recognition that a one-size-fits-all approach to working hours is unrealistic and potentially detrimental to both employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. The debate ultimately underscores the need for a more nuanced discussion surrounding work-life integration, considering factors such as industry, company culture, individual needs, and the long-term impact of excessive workload on employee health and productivity.
The contrasting viewpoints presented by prominent figures like Subrahmanyan, Poonawalla, and Murthy highlight the complexity of the issue. While the pursuit of success often demands dedication and long hours, the question remains: at what cost? The long-term consequences of prioritizing work to the detriment of personal well-being are significant. Burnout, stress-related illnesses, and decreased overall productivity are just some of the potential repercussions of consistently working excessive hours. This underscores the importance of fostering a work environment that values both productivity and employee well-being. A culture that promotes work-life balance and recognizes the importance of mental and physical health is not only ethically responsible but also more likely to foster a productive and engaged workforce.
The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation of traditional work structures and the development of more sustainable work models. This includes a focus on effective time management, delegation, and the implementation of policies that support employee well-being. Flexible work arrangements, reasonable workloads, and the encouragement of regular breaks and time off are crucial factors in creating a work environment that promotes both high performance and employee well-being. Companies must recognize that investing in employee health and fostering a positive work-life balance is not just an ethical responsibility but a strategic necessity for long-term success.
Ultimately, the ideal number of working hours is not a fixed quantity, but rather a variable influenced by numerous factors. Individual needs, the demands of the job, and the overall work environment all play a role in determining what constitutes a sustainable and productive workload. The ongoing debate should not be interpreted as a rejection of hard work or dedication, but rather as a call for a more balanced and humane approach to work, one that recognizes the importance of both professional success and personal well-being. The conversation needs to move beyond simply debating hours worked to a focus on output, efficiency, and a holistic approach to employee wellness.