A recent statement by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, advocating for a 90-hour workweek has caused a stir on social media, igniting a debate on the practicality and impact of such long working hours. Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should work on Sundays to stay competitive, a view that follows in the footsteps of Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy, who previously proposed a 70-hour workweek.

Many have expressed concerns about the physical and mental toll of such long working hours, particularly in India. Kumar Jain, an industry observer, criticized the suggestion, saying that working 90 hours a week is unrealistic, especially in a country like India where social and family responsibilities also play a significant role. "Working continuously for such long hours will lead to fatigue, depression, and mental health issues. People need rest after 12 hours of work," Jain explained, highlighting that a balance between work and personal life is essential for maintaining well-being and productivity.

Jain also pointed out that while such statements might be easier for those in more comfortable working conditions, like those engaged in mental rather than physical labor, they are not practical for the broader population. "Indian culture is different," he said. "People have different work patterns, and after a full day's work, they need time to rest, spend time with family, and focus on their mental health."

Rajul Shah added that working smart is just as important as working long hours. He emphasized that a person who works excessively risks damaging family relationships and neglecting personal well-being, leading to stress and decreased productivity. Shah suggested that 8 to 10 hours of work a day is sufficient, particularly for women who also manage household responsibilities.

Many also pointed out that in today's world, especially with technology and automation, efficiency and smart work are more crucial than ever. Prolonged hours can lead to burnout and negatively affect both work performance and overall health.

Subrahmanyan's statement referenced the need to increase productivity to compete with countries like China and the United States. However, critics, such as Sushila Sanghvi, argue that mental peace is key to maximizing productivity, citing the example of Prime Minister Modi, who starts his day with meditation and focus. "Work can be done more effectively when the mind is calm," she said. Sanghvi further stressed that the working culture in India, where personal and family life are prioritized, does not support excessively long work hours.

Rajesh Sanghvi added that the Chinese work culture, which often involves operating machines and technology, is different from India's, where manual labor still plays a significant role. He pointed out that the Indian workforce faces additional challenges, such as commuting long distances, which further reduce available work hours.

Sandeep Khandelwal also raised concerns about the lack of infrastructure in India, such as poor transport services, that make long working hours even more difficult. He argued that before expecting employees to work 70 to 90 hours a week, India needs to improve its infrastructure and ensure that mental health and work-life balance are prioritized.

Overall, many believe that working 8 to 9 hours a day, with adequate rest and time for personal life, is the most practical approach for maintaining long-term productivity and health. The focus should be on smart work rather than long hours, ensuring that both physical and mental well-being are protected.