Sonica Muraleedharan, the head of HR for domestic operations at Larsen & Toubro (L&T), has taken to LinkedIn to address the ongoing controversy sparked by the company’s chairman and managing director, S.N. Subrahmanyan (SNS). His recent remarks about longer working hours have led to widespread debates on social media, with some industry leaders also joining in to voice their criticisms.
In her detailed post, Sonica expressed disappointment over how Subrahmanyan’s words had been taken out of context and misinterpreted, leading to unnecessary backlash. She clarified that during the internal discussion where these remarks were made, SNS never mandated or even suggested a 90-hour workweek. Instead, his comments were casual in nature and not intended to impose any such directive. According to her, the ensuing controversy fails to capture the true essence of his leadership style, which she described as supportive, inclusive, and focused on employee well-being.
L&T’s HR head on CMD’s remarks Drawing on her nearly five years of experience at L&T and regular interactions with SNS, Sonica shared insights into his leadership philosophy. She portrayed him as a visionary leader who treats employees as part of an extended family, fostering a strong sense of unity and belonging within the organization. She emphasized that SNS consistently demonstrates an exceptional ability to balance his professional responsibilities while ensuring that his team members feel valued and supported. He has been known to encourage innovation, skill development, and personal growth, creating an environment that is both nurturing and empowering.
The LinkedIn post from L&T HR head Sonica Muraleedhara
Sonica highlighted that SNS regularly takes time out of his packed schedule to connect with employees, listen to their concerns, and ensure their voices are heard. His leadership, she noted, is not just about achieving professional success but also about imparting valuable life lessons through his interactions. She urged people to consider the context and intent behind his statements before passing judgment.
90-hour work week controversy The controversy began when a video of SNS’s remarks during an internal discussion went viral on social media platforms like X and LinkedIn. In the video, SNS mentioned his regret at not being able to make employees work on Sundays, asking rhetorically what they do at home, humorously questioning how long one could stare at their spouse. He also noted that staff would need to work 90 hours a week if they wanted to be on top of the world.
These remarks quickly ignited debates ab
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