Sonica Muraleedharan, head of HR at Larsen & Toubro, has come to the defense of company chairman SN Subrahmanyan after his comments about employees working a 90-hour week drew widespread criticism.
Muralidharan described the controversy, which quickly escalated with reactions from celebrities and business leaders, as a misunderstanding rooted in a misinterpretation.
In a LinkedIn post addressing the uproar, Muralitharan expressed frustration at the backlash. “It is truly disappointing to see how our MD and Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan's (SNS) words have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism,” she wrote. Muralidharan, who was present during the internal lecture, clarified that Subramanian's remarks were “casual in nature” and were never meant as an order or policy.
The backlash stems from a video in which Subramanian allegedly suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week to stay competitive. His comments included “How long can you look at your wife?” Statements like and, “I'm sorry I can't make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I'll be even happier because I'm working on Sundays.”
Muralidaran tried to provide context by emphasizing the chairman's commitment to fostering a supportive work environment. “He treats each employee as part of a larger family, fostering a sense of togetherness and belonging that is rare in today's corporate world,” she wrote. She described working under Submanian as a “transformational experience” and credited his leadership with teaching valuable lessons through every interaction.
The statement drew strong reactions on social media. Actress Deepika Padukone labeled them “shocking”, while industry figures like Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka scoffed at the idea of such a demanding work week. Comparisons were also drawn with Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who called for a 70-hour work week last year.
Despite the criticism, Muralitharan urged people to focus on the bigger picture. “Leaders like SNS are driving positive change and growth, and it's important to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them,” she said. Calling for a nuanced understanding of the chairman's intentions, she highlighted his track record of empowering and motivating his team.