• Source:JND
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In the wake of widespread backlash over comments made by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairperson S.N. Subrahmanyan advocating a "90-hour work week," Rajiv Bajaj, managing director of Bajaj Auto, has voiced a different perspective.

In an interview with CNBC TV18, Bajaj stated that the quality of work is far more important than the number of hours spent working. Bajaj stated, "If you want a 90-hour week, start from the top." He stressed that rather than imposing long hours, companies should focus on creating a kinder and more supportive work environment. "We need a kinder, gentler world more than ever before," he added, mentioning the need for a shift away from outdated policies that enforce fixed working hours.

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The managing director also discussed the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, cautioning against the potential costs of extended work weeks. "Even if someone works 70 or 90 hours a week, their life remains interconnected with other aspects—family, health and well-being. Ignoring this interconnectedness will come at a cost," he stated.

The controversy began when Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should work 90 hours a week. In a video that circulated online, he expressed regret about not being able to make employees work on Sundays, saying, "How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Come on, get to the office and start working."

ALSO READ: ‘Happy To Make You Work On Sundays’: After Narayana Murthy, L&T Chief Backs 90-Hour Work Week

This debate on work hours has been echoed by other industry leaders, including Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy, who previously suggested for a 70-hour work week, citing low productivity in India. Murthy urged young professionals to take pride in their work and commit to longer hours for the sake of the nation.