Infosys co-founder and billionaire NR Narayana Murthy, whose ‘70-hour work-week; advice for nation-building purposes’ riled up the nation for over a year, found a worthy torchbearer in L&T chairman SN Subrahmanyan. The latter went 20 hours ahead and cheekily suggested a 90-hour work-week in an undated viral video. In the clip, he asked how long one would stare at their spouse at home. He suggested that if it were possible, he would make the staff work on Sundays. All in good humor? Nope!
The outrageous advice has been bashed left, right, and center. Even jingoist industrialists like Anand Mahindra slamming the L&T boss. In his latest speech, Mahindra quipped that his wife is wonderful and he loves ‘staring at her.’ Taking the inhuman working hour advice to the cleaners, Mr. Mahindra stressed emphasis on the quality of work rather than the quantity thereof.
Now Serum Institute’s billionaire boss Adar Poonawalla has chimed in on the debate with his tongue-in-cheek tweet, agreeing with Mahindra & Mahindra chairman’s latest remark:
Yes, Anand Mahindra; even my wife, Natasha Poonawalla, thinks I am wonderful. She loves staring at me on Sundays. Quality of work over quantity always.”
Yes @anandmahindra, even my wife @NPoonawalla thinks i am wonderful, she loves staring at me on Sundays. Quality of work over quantity always. #worklifebalance pic.twitter.com/5Lr1IjOB6r
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 12, 2025
Here’s how netizens reacted to Adar Poonawalla’s post
Newly Renovated L&T Chairman’s office 😃😜🫣😎 pic.twitter.com/c9BEydJFqh
— Siva Kumar (JAI SHREE RAM 🏹🏹 MODIJI KA PARIVAR (@kssivakumar) January 12, 2025
I love it when CEOs of renowned companies speak against one of their own. Not out of spite, but in order to support the ones working for them
— Uncanny (@uncanny_piscean) January 12, 2025
L&T Chairman getting the medicine made by Serum institute of India 😭🤣
— Curly Jeevi (@curlykrazy07) January 12, 2025
I Mean any sane person will Outright Reject 90 hrs of Work in a week…🚨🔥🤷
— The Saffron Redemption 🚩😎 (@SarkarFires) January 12, 2025
it says it all pic.twitter.com/8ylyoNeF7Y
— Vishal Anand (@VishalAnan66793) January 12, 2025
Amid the raging debate, one wonders if toxic bosses are terrible spouses too?
See Also: Anupam Mittal Gives Humorous Reply To L&T Chairman’s ‘Stare At Wife’ Comment: ‘But Sir, If Husband…’
See Also: ‘Biwi Bhaag Jaegi’: Billionaire Gautam Adani Jokes As Work-Life Balance Debate Rages On
See Also: All The Buzz On Toxic Work Culture
Cover: Patrick Gawande / Mashable India