Remarks misinterpreted: L&T HR head on chairman’s 90-hour work

Muraleedharan, the head of HR for domestic operations of the engineering and construction conglomerate, says it is truly disheartening to see how the words of Subrahmanyan have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism

New Delhi: L&T HR head on Tuesday defended Chairman SN Subrahmanyan over his remarks on 90-hour work week, saying it is disheartening to see how the words of the L&T chief have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism.

In an interaction with employees recently, Subrahmanyan advocated for a 90-hour work week. The comments have received severe backlash from various quarters, bringing to the fore the debate around work-life balance.

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Taking to professional networking platform LinkedIn, Muraleedharan, the head of HR for domestic operations of the engineering and construction conglomerate, said it is truly disheartening to see how the words of Subrahmanyan have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism.

Muraleedharan said during the internal discussion where these remarks were made, the chairman never mandated or even suggested 90-hour work weeks. Rather, his comments were casual in nature and have been misinterpreted, fuelling a controversy that doesn’t reflect his true intentions, she said.

Talking about her experience of almost five years with L&T and regular interactions with the chairman, Muraleedharan said he treats every employee as part of an extended family, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that’s rare in today’s corporate world.

She said the chairman always demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance his demanding professional commitments while creating a nurturing and empowering environment for his team.

“He always encourages us to embrace innovation, continuously develop our skills, and grow both personally and professionally. Despite his packed schedule, he takes the time to connect with employees and ensures their voices are heard,” she said.

“SNS is, without question, a leader who genuinely cares for his team’s well-being. His visionary leadership and deep commitment to supporting his employees sets him apart as a mentor who leads by example. Working under his leadership has been more than just a job, it has been a transformative experience, akin to participating in a living masterclass on leadership, where every interaction imparts valuable life lessons,” she explained.

She asked people to consider the context and intent behind his statements before passing judgments.