'How Long Can You Stare At Your Wife?' L&T Chairman's Old Video Is Viral Amid 70-Hour Work Week Debate - Watch

Amid ongoing debate surrounding the 70-hour work week, an old video of L&T’s chairman has gone viral. In the video, L&T chairman SN Subramanyan is seen advocating working on Sundays and asking people 'How long will you stare at your wife/husband'. The video was shared on the social media platform, Reddit and invited mixed reactions from netizens.  

In the video, he raised questions about personal time and the value of individual time, indicating that increased work hours may improve productivity. 

“I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays, to be honest. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also. What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working," he was seen saying in the video.

L&T's Chairman's Full Video

In October 2023, Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys made headlines for suggesting that young professionals in India should be willing to work a 70-hour workweek to enhance productivity and drive the country’s economic growth. He argued that such dedication is essential for building a strong foundation for their future and contributing to national progress.

Work-Life Balance: The Debate

Ever since the debate broke out, prominent industry leaders such as Elon Musk and others have offered varied perspectives on work-life balance. Elon Musk emphasized intense work hours for innovation, while Satya Nadella prioritized empathy and delegation to foster creativity. Jeff Bezos advocated for 'work-life harmony,' where energy in one area enhances the other.

Indra Nooyi of PepsiCo highlighted intentional trade-offs, accepting that ‘you cannot have it all'. Barack Obama underscored structured routines, emphasizing family time to enhance effectiveness. These approaches reflected different strategies for navigating success and personal well-being.

Work-Life Balance: Employee Reactions 

Subrahmanyan's remarks were met with criticism, with many employees and observers expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on work-life balance and overall well-being. Critics argue that such expectations could lead to burnout and decreased productivity over time. 

Murthy’s comments sparked a nationwide debate. Critics argued that such high expectations could lead to burnout, mental health issues, and strained personal relationships. Many professionals emphasized the importance of a balanced life, highlighting how overwork could be counterproductive in the long term.

Work-Life Balance: Key Takeaway

Social media was abuzz with contrasting views. Some admired Murthy’s call for discipline and hard work, while others stressed that productivity is not merely about hours worked but also about innovation, efficiency, and a supportive work environment.