‘Words taken out of context…’: L&T’s HR head breaks silence on 90-hour workweek row, says remarks ‘casual in nature’

Sonika Muraledharan, head of Larsen & Toubro’s HR department, defended the company’s president S.N. Subrahmanian after his remarks about employees working 90-hour weeks drew widespread criticism.

The controversy, which quickly escalated with reactions from celebrities and business leaders, was described by Muraledharan as a misunderstanding rooted in misinterpretation.

Commenting on the uproar, Muraledharan expressed his dismay at the backlash in a LinkedIn post. Subrahmanyan’s (NSS) words were taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism,” he wrote. Muraledharan, who was present at the internal address, clarified that Subrahmanian’s remarks were “random in nature” and were never intended as directives or policies.

The backlash stems from an alleged video in which Subrahmanian suggested employees work 90 hours a week to stay competitive, with comments such as, “How long can you watch? your wife.” “I’m sorry I can’t make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I’ll be happier because I work on Sundays too.”

Muraledharan sought to provide context by emphasizing the President’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment. “He treats each employee as part of a large family, fostering a sense of togetherness and belonging that is rare in today’s corporate world,” he wrote. He described working under Subrahmanian as “transformative experience” and credited his leadership with valuable lessons through each interaction.

The remarks drew sharp reactions on social media, with actor Deepika Padukone calling them “shocking”, while industry figures such as Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka mocked the idea of ​​such a demanding work week. Comparisons were also made with Infosys founder Narayana Murthy. who last year called for a 70-hour work week.

Despite the criticism, Muraledharan urged people to focus on the bigger picture. “Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it is vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them,” he said The President’s intent, highlighting his expertise in empowering and motivating his team.