Harsh Goenka Joins 90-Hour Work Week Debate After Deepika Padukone; Suggests Renaming Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’
Harsh Goenka Joins 90-Hour Work Week Debate After Deepika Padukone; Suggests Renaming Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’
In response to L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s controversial remarks about implementing a 90-hour work week, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka has voiced his concerns about the growing trend of pressuring employees to sacrifice personal time for work. Subrahmanyan had suggested during a meeting with employees that a 90-hour work week should become the norm and lamented his inability to make employees work on Sundays, claiming it would make him “happier.”
Harsh Goenka’s Response
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Harsh Goenka humorously criticized Subrahmanyan’s suggestion, proposing that Sunday be renamed “Sun-duty” and questioning the very concept of a day off. He emphasized the importance of maintaining work-life balance in his post, stating:
“90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave.”
Subrahmanyan’s Remarks Stir Controversy
Subrahmanyan’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, drawing criticism from both the public and industry leaders. His suggestion that employees should work even on Sundays and his comments comparing domestic life unfavorably to professional commitments have raised eyebrows. Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone condemned the comments on her Instagram story, writing, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
The debate was initially ignited by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who had earlier proposed a 70-hour work week, arguing that young professionals should work longer hours to boost India’s global competitiveness. Subrahmanyan’s comments, echoing Murthy’s views, have intensified discussions about balancing professional and personal life in the modern workplace.
The Viral Video
In a video that has gone viral, Subrahmanyan argued that extended working hours, including weekends, are necessary to help India’s workforce achieve its potential. Citing a Chinese anecdote about the success of a 90-hour work week, he contrasted it with the 50-hour work week commonly seen in the US. His remarks about domestic life, particularly the statement, “How long can you stare at your wife?” have drawn strong criticism for their insensitivity.
L&T’s Response
Following the backlash, L&T issued a statement clarifying that Subrahmanyan’s comments were intended to motivate employees to contribute more towards national development, considering the company’s role in India’s infrastructure and technological progress. However, critics argue that such expectations are unrealistic and come at the cost of employee health and personal life.
This debate highlights the growing tension between corporate expectations and the need for sustainable work practices, with many calling for a reevaluation of work culture in India.
