L&T HR Head Defends SN Subrahmanyan: His Remarks on Sunday Work Taken Out of Context

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An undated video of L&T Chairman HR SN Subrahmanyan sparked controversy, where his comments about employees working on Sundays were misconstrued. In response, L&T’s HR Head, Sonica Muraleedharan, clarified that Subrahmanyan’s remarks were casual and misinterpreted. The incident highlights the challenges leaders face in balancing communication and employee expectations in a high-pressure corporate environment. This article unpacks the context, the company’s background, and key learnings for startups and entrepreneurs.

Background on L&T: A Legacy in Engineering Excellence

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in Mumbai, India. Founded in 1938 by Danish engineers Henning Holck-Larsen and Søren Kristian Toubro, the company initially focused on engineering and construction. Over the decades, it has expanded into technology, financial services, and manufacturing, becoming a cornerstone of India’s industrial growth.

L&T operates on a diversified revenue model, deriving income from infrastructure projects, defense manufacturing, IT services, and power solutions. Its engineering services are highly regarded globally, and it has a strong foothold in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets. As of 2024, L&T reported annual revenues exceeding ₹1.8 lakh crore, reflecting robust growth and consistent performance.

The company’s leadership, under SN Subrahmanyan since 2017, emphasizes innovation, employee welfare, and sustainable development. Subrahmanyan himself is an industry veteran with over three decades of experience, known for his strategic vision and focus on fostering an inclusive work culture.

The Controversy: Misinterpreted Words

A video of SN Subrahmanyan addressing L&T employees recently surfaced, leading to widespread criticism. In the clip, Subrahmanyan appears to suggest that employees should work even on Sundays, prompting accusations of promoting a 90-hour work week.

However, Sonica Muraleedharan, L&T’s HR Head, quickly took to LinkedIn to address the controversy. She clarified that the remarks were casual and not a directive. “SNS never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks,” she stated, urging the public to understand the context before forming judgments.

Muraleedharan, who has worked with L&T for over five years, highlighted Subrahmanyan’s commitment to employee well-being and open communication. She emphasized that his leadership style fosters innovation and professional growth, debunking the narrative that he supports excessive work hours.

Context Behind the Remarks

According to sources close to L&T, the comments were made during an internal meeting focused on motivating employees to align with the company’s ambitious project timelines. While the video was edited to appear more contentious, those present at the meeting affirmed that Subrahmanyan’s tone was light-hearted and intended to inspire rather than mandate.

The controversy underscores the challenges leaders face when their words are taken out of context in today’s hyper-connected world. It also reflects broader concerns about work-life balance in corporate India, especially in industries demanding high performance.

Industry Response

The incident has sparked a broader debate on corporate work culture. Prominent industry leaders and HR professionals have weighed in, pointing out that Subrahmanyan’s track record speaks volumes about his genuine care for employees.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, humorously commented on the controversy, highlighting the unrealistic expectations some corporate leaders face. Simultaneously, academics like IIT professors have criticized the growing trend of overwork without adequate compensation.

Learnings for Startups and Entrepreneurs

1. Communicate Clearly
   Leaders must ensure their messaging is clear and unambiguous to avoid misinterpretation. A thoughtful communication strategy can prevent controversies.
2. Prioritize Employee Well-being
   A motivated workforce thrives when work-life balance is respected. This principle is especially critical for startups aiming to scale sustainably.
3. Leverage Transparency
   When misunderstandings occur, addressing them transparently, as L&T’s HR Head did, helps rebuild trust.
4. Adapt Leadership Styles
   Effective leaders adapt their approach to inspire employees while respecting individual needs and capacities.

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