New Delhi:
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) HR head Sonika Muralitharan defended Chairman SN Subramanian’s statement of working for 90 hours, which had created a huge controversy across the country. This statement sparked a debate across the country, in which many celebrities gave their reactions. Sonika Muraleedharan said the chairman’s statement was “miscontextualized” and misrepresented.
“Subramanian never ordered to work 90 hours”
Sonika Muralitharan said in a post on LinkedIn, “It is extremely disappointing to see that the words of our MD and Chairman SN Subramanian were taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism. I was present during this and can say That Subramanian never ordered to work for 90 hours.”
Chairman’s aim is to motivate employees
Further, Sonika Muraleedharan said that the chairman’s words were “normal” and their purpose was to motivate the employees and not to put pressure on anyone. Sonika Muralidharan praised Subramanian’s leadership skills, saying, “He treats every employee as part of his extended family, which is a rare thing in today’s corporate world.”
HR Head, L&T said, “SN Subramanian is a leader who cares deeply about the well-being of his team. His leadership is not just a job, but a live masterclass-like experience, where every interaction brings out valuable life lessons. “Lessons are learned.”
Sonika Muralitharan further said that people need to properly understand the context and intention of the Chairman’s words. “Leaders like these inspire positive change and development. We should respect them and recognize their efforts instead of focusing on controversy, which empowers their teams.”
L&T disputes Chairman’s statement of working 90 hours
It is noteworthy that Subramanian had said last week that employees should work for 90 hours and should also work on Sundays, so as to remain competitive.
Subramanian said, “To be honest, I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sunday. I would be more happy if I can make you work on Sunday, because I work on Sunday also. Subramanian further What is the benefit of taking leave at home? How long can you keep staring at your wife and go to the office? begin to.”
His statement spread anger across the country and started discussions on social media.
Many veterans reacted to Subramanian’s statement
After Subramanian’s statement, big names like Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, Serum Institute CEO Aadar Poonawala, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra reacted on it. On social media, users compared this statement with that of Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who had talked about working 70 hours last year.
However, Sonika Muralitharan responded to this controversy quite appropriately, and appealed to keep the Chairman’s statement in the right context.