Rajiv Bajaj reacts to L&T chief's 90-hour work week remark: 'Let it start from...'

Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj has entered the debate on the controversial 90-hour work week, a topic reignited by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, he emphasised that if long work hours are deemed necessary, they should begin at the leadership level.

“If you want a 90-hour week, start from the top,” he stated, stressing that quality of work matters more than hours spent. “We need a kinder, gentler world more than ever before,” he added, urging leaders to improve decision-making and empower employees for better outcomes.

The controversy began when Subrahmanyan suggested employees should work 90 hours weekly, even on Sundays, to stay competitive. In a video, he reportedly questioned how long employees could "stare at their wife" and expressed his regret over not being able to make them work Sundays.

His remarks triggered online backlash, with many criticizing the unrealistic demands. Comparisons were drawn to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who last year advocated for a 70-hour work week for Indian youth.

Bajaj took a different stance, arguing that the focus should be on efficiency and effectiveness rather than sheer work hours. “That is more critical than the number of hours,” he explained.

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka also weighed in, humorously calling the idea of a 90-hour week a “recipe for burnout.” On X, he posted, “Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Work smart, not as a slave.”