A recent statement by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan has ignited a heated debate on work-life balance after it went viral on social media. In an undated video, Subrahmanyan jokingly remarked that he regretted not being able to make employees work on Sundays and suggested they dedicate 90 hours a week to their jobs. This comment sparked widespread discussion about work culture and the pressures faced by employees in India.
Kajuri Advocates for Strict Overtime Pay Enforcement
The controversy surrounding Subrahmanyan’s statement has sparked a wider conversation, with many criticizing the expectation of long working hours. In response, Nirmalya Kajuri, Assistant Professor of Physics at IIT Mandi, proposed a solution. In a post on X, Kajuri suggested that strict enforcement of overtime pay for work beyond 40 hours a week could address the issue. He argued that if India implemented this policy, corporate leaders who currently advocate for 70-90 hour workweeks would quickly shift their stance and champion work-life balance.
Kajuri highlighted that overtime pay is mandated and strictly enforced in countries like the US, Europe, and China for employees working beyond a certain number of hours. In contrast, India’s Shops and Establishment Act requires overtime pay for work exceeding 48 hours, but inconsistent state regulations and weak enforcement often allow companies to bypass this rule. Kajuri stressed that employers who demand more than 48 hours of work a week are likely violating the law.
Global Debate on Excessive Work Hours: Kajuri’s View Gains Support
Kajuri’s post gained significant traction, with many people agreeing with his viewpoint. One user pointed out that the issue of excessive work hours extends beyond India, affecting many developing countries where companies exploit the abundant labour force. However, another user noted that certain industries, especially banking in the US, require long hours due to the competitive nature of the work.
