The workplace dynamics of one of India’s leading conglomerates, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), came under scrutiny when its chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, made a controversial comment during an employee interaction. While addressing a question about the company’s practice of working on Saturdays—a rarity in many modern workplaces—Subrahmanyan stated, “I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays.”

His follow-up remark, however, has drawn widespread criticism: “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.” This statement, now viral on social media, has been labeled as insensitive, tone-deaf, and misogynistic by many, including former Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta.

The Controversy That Sparked Outrage The recent comments made by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan during an employee interaction have sparked widespread outrage on social media. The remarks, perceived as promoting a regressive mindset, were made in response to a question about the company’s requirement for employees to work on Saturdays. During the event, Subrahmanyan said, "I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays."

However, it was his follow-up comment that led to the backlash: "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working." A video clip of the exchange went viral on platforms like Reddit, igniting debates on workplace culture, mental health, and gender sensitivity.

Jwala Gutta Calls Out Misogyny Former Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta was among those who strongly condemned Subrahmanyan’s remarks. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gutta expressed her disappointment, stating:
"I mean…first of all, why shouldn’t he stare at his wife…and why only on a Sunday? It’s sad and sometimes unbelievable that such educated people in the highest positions of big organisations are not taking mental health and mental rest seriously…and making such misogynistic statements and exposing themselves so openly!! It’s disappointing and scary."
Why the Statement is ControversialThe statement, "How long can you look at your wife?" has been criticized for its inherent misogyny and tone-deafness. Critics argue that it reduces the relationship between spouses to a chore and trivializes the concept of personal and family time. By framing Sundays—a day traditionally seen as a time for rest, recreation, and bonding—as a waste of time spent with family, the remark not only disregards work-life balance but also perpetuates a patriarchal mindset.

Additionally, Subrahmanyan’s comments dismiss the importance of mental health and relaxation in a modern work environment. In an era where discussions around employee well-being and work-life balance are becoming increasingly significant, such a statement is viewed as regressive and out of touch with evolving workplace norms.

The Bigger Picture: Misogyny in Leadership
Subrahmanyan’s remarks have become a lens through which larger issues in corporate culture and leadership attitudes are being examined. Misogynistic language in the workplace, even when unintended, reinforces stereotypes and creates environments that undervalue gender sensitivity and employee well-being.

Gutta’s comments shed light on the need for progressive leadership that prioritizes empathy, inclusivity, and mental health awareness. In today’s context, where organizations worldwide are championing mental health and diversity initiatives, such remarks are a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done in shifting mindsets.

Subrahmanyan’s statement has not only become a topic of social media discourse but also a reflection of the challenges leaders face in adapting to changing workplace expectations. As criticism continues to mount, the incident serves as a reminder that language and attitudes from those in power significantly influence organizational culture and public perception.