• By Imran Zafar
  • Sun, 12 Jan 2025 03:48 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla joined the ongoing debate over work-life balance, echoing Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra’s emphasis on quality over quantity in work. Poonawalla, in a lighthearted comment on X (formerly Twitter), said, “Even my wife loves staring at me on Sundays,” supporting Mahindra’s stance on maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life.

The discussion gained momentum after Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan controversially suggested employees work 90-hour weeks, including Sundays, to stay competitive. His remarks, which questioned the utility of weekends, sparked reactions from industrialists, Bollywood stars, and politicians. Subrahmanyan had quipped, “How long can you stare at your wife? What do you do sitting at home?”

Mahindra, known for his witty social media presence, had earlier responded by saying, “My wife is wonderful; I love staring at her,” while highlighting that productivity matters more than sheer hours worked. Poonawalla endorsed Mahindra’s perspective, posting, "Quality of work over quantity always. #worklifebalance."

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Subrahmanyan’s comments were widely criticised, with Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, RPG Group Chairperson Harsh Goenka and former badminton star Jwala Gutta condemning his remarks. Critics highlighted the negative implications of overworking, including health risks and strained personal relationships.

The L&T Chairman’s statements were seen as part of a broader debate reignited by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who recently advocated a 70-hour workweek. In defence of Subrahmanyan, L&T later clarified that his remarks reflected the ambition for nation-building and the extraordinary efforts required for exceptional outcomes.

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Health professionals have cautioned against the risks of excessive work hours, linking overworking to burnout, reduced productivity, and adverse health outcomes. Overwork can disrupt sleep cycles, elevate stress levels and increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious conditions. Experts emphasize the importance of balancing work commitments with personal well-being to avoid long-term consequences.