New Delhi:
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Head HR Sonica Muraleedharan defended Chairman SN Subrahmanyan after his remarks about wanting staff to work for 90 hours per week invoked an enormous debate throughout the nation. Amid the continuing controversy that prompted responses from even celebrities, Ms Muraleedharan mentioned that the chairman’s remarks had been “misinterpreted” and brought out of context.
“It is really disheartening to see how the phrases of our MD & Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan (SNS) have been taken out of context, resulting in misunderstandings and pointless criticism. Having been current in the course of the inner deal with, I can confidently state that SNS by no means implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks,” she mentioned in a put up on LinkedIn.
In line with the HR, Mr Subrahmanyan’s remarks had been “informal in nature”.
Vouching for his management model, Ms Muraleedharan mentioned, “He treats each worker as a part of an prolonged household, fostering a way of unity and belonging that is uncommon in immediately’s company world”.
“SNS is, with out query, a pacesetter who genuinely cares for his staff’s well-being. He persistently demonstrates an distinctive capacity to stability his demanding skilled commitments whereas making a nurturing and empowering setting for his staff. Working underneath his management has been greater than only a job – it has been a transformative expertise, akin to collaborating in a residing masterclass on management, the place each interplay imparts useful life classes,” she added.
Ms Muraleedharan additional urged individuals to take a step again and absolutely perceive the context and intent behind the L&T Chairman’s phrases.
“Leaders like SNS encourage constructive change and progress, and it is important to acknowledge their efforts fairly than misread them. As an alternative of specializing in controversy, let’s have fun and assist leaders who empower, inspire, and elevate their groups, leaving an enduring, constructive affect on the group as a complete,” she mentioned.
Mr Subrahmanyan sparked a huge outrage final week after he instructed staff ought to work 90 hours per week and even on Sundays to stay aggressive.
“How lengthy are you able to stare at your spouse,” Mr Subrahmanyan is heard saying in a purported video deal with.
When he was requested why L&T required its staff to work on Saturdays, he mentioned, “I remorse I’m not in a position to make you’re employed on Sundays, to be trustworthy. If I could make you’re employed on Sundays, I will likely be extra completely happy, as a result of I work on Sundays additionally.”
These feedback drew sharp responses on social media, together with from actor Deepika Padukone who mentioned that it’s “stunning to see individuals in such senior positions make such statements”. Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka, and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra additionally mocked the 90-hour workweek concept.
Social media customers additionally in contrast Mr Subrahmanyan to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who final yr referred to as for individuals to work for 70 hours per week.