SN Subrahmanyan to Narayana Murthy, business leaders who advocate for longer work hours

SN Subrahmanyan remarks sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics accusing him of promoting an outdated and unsustainable work culture.

Conversations around work-life balance have gained fresh momentum following controversial remarks by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who advocated for a 90-hour workweek, including Sunday shifts. His comments have reignited debates on hustle culture, with global business leaders like Elon Musk, Jack Ma, and Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy also weighing in on the merits of long working hours versus work-life balance.

SN Subrahmanyan: Advocating a 90-hour week

In an undated video that went viral, SN Subrahmanyan was seen addressing employees about adopting a more rigorous work schedule. “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be happier because I work on Sundays too,” he said.

Subrahmanyan shared an anecdote involving a conversation with a Chinese professional who suggested that China’s strong work ethic—marked by 90-hour workweeks—was key to its competitive edge over the United States. “Chinese people work 90 hours a week, while Americans work only 50 hours a week. If you want to be on top of the world, you have to work 90 hours a week,” he told employees.

These remarks sparked significant backlash on social media, with critics accusing Subrahmanyan of promoting an outdated and unsustainable work culture.

Narayana Murthy: The 70-hour workweek proposal

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy stirred similar debates in October 2023 when he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to boost national productivity. Speaking on the 3one4 Capital podcast, Murthy emphasised the need for hard work to compete on the global stage.

“India has the lowest productivity among all economies. Unless we reduce corruption and focus on hard work, we will not be competitive globally,” he said.

Murthy’s comments drew mixed reactions, with supporters lauding his focus on dedication and critics arguing that such expectations ignored the importance of mental health and personal well-being.

Elon Musk: Endorsing 80+ hours

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has long been an advocate of intense work schedules. In a 2018 tweet, he stated, “There are way easier places to work, but nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week.”

When asked about the ideal number of hours required to “change the world,” Musk suggested 80 hours as a sustainable baseline, with peaks exceeding 100 hours during critical periods. “Pain level increases exponentially above 80,” he warned.

Musk has often contrasted the perceived decline in work ethic in the United States with the dedication seen in countries like China. His leadership style reflects his beliefs, as he is known for personally working long hours and setting demanding standards for his teams.

Jack Ma: The “996” culture

Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma has defended China’s controversial “996” work schedule, which entails working 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. Speaking in 2019, Ma described the schedule as a “huge blessing” for those passionate about their careers.

“If you don’t put in the effort in your youth, when will you?” Ma asked, dismissing criticism that the practice promotes overwork. He argued that those who enjoy their work would find such schedules fulfilling rather than burdensome.

Bhavish Aggarwal: Questioning western work-life balance

Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal has also expressed scepticism about the concept of work-life balance. In an interview with YourStory, Aggarwal dismissed the idea of two-day weekends, calling them a “Western cultural import.”

“This Saturday-Sunday concept is not Indian,” he said. “Historically, we followed the lunar calendar, with one or two days off per month. The industrial revolution brought this Western idea, which we have now adopted.”

Aggarwal further suggested that work-life balance might not be the ideal construct for everyone, stating, “There will be people who disagree with me, but I believe that true satisfaction comes from building something meaningful and being dedicated to it.”

While these leaders promote hustle culture, a growing number of workers, particularly younger generations like Gen Z, prioritise flexibility and personal well-being. A 2023 Randstad study found that 57% of employees would reject a job if it negatively impacted their work-life balance, reflecting a shift towards valuing personal time over financial gain.