Industrialist Anand Mahindra has weighed in on the recent controversy surrounding Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s comment advocating a 90-hour workweek. Speaking at the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, Mahindra made it clear that he values the quality of work over the sheer number of hours put in.

During the discussion with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma, the Mahindra Group Chairman addressed the topic of work-life balance and time management, especially regarding his active presence on social media. When asked about how many hours he works each week, Mahindra dismissed the idea of measuring productivity through hours worked, saying, “I don’t want it to be about time or quantity. Ask me about the quality of my work. Don’t ask me how many hours I’ve worked.”

Anand Mahindra’s Take on Subrahmanyan’s Remarks

Mahindra’s remarks come in response to SN Subrahmanyan’s recent suggestion that employees should dedicate extended hours to their jobs, including Sundays. Subrahmanyan even commented on domestic life, saying, “How long can you stare at your wife?” His statement has been widely criticised as out of touch and disrespectful.

In a sharp yet humorous remark, Mahindra referenced Subrahmanyan’s controversial remark, stating, “I often get asked how much time I spend on social media. I want to tell people I’m on social media not because I’m lonely. My wife is wonderful, and I love staring at her. I’m here because social media is a powerful business tool where I receive feedback from 11 million people on one platform.”

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Mahindra further emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced life to make better decisions. “If you’re not spending time at home, with friends, reading, or reflecting, how can you bring well-rounded inputs into your decision-making process?” he said.

The Backlash Against Subrahmanyan

SN Subrahmanyan’s comments, where he compared working habits in India to China and implied that a 90-hour workweek is essential for success, have sparked intense backlash online. His statements about preferring employees to work on Sundays and questioning the time spent with spouses were seen by many as dismissive of personal life and mental well-being.

L&T Chief 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 happier because I work on Sundays. What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wife stare at her husband?”

He further cited the example of the Chinese workforce, claiming they work 90 hours a week, “So that’s the answer for you. If you want to be on top of the world, you have to work 90 hours a week. Get going, guys. Come on.”

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Critics, including entrepreneurs and social media users, have called Subrahmanyan’s views outdated and unsustainable, with many highlighting the importance of prioritising mental health and work-life balance.