Dear Mr. Subrahmanyan,
Firstly, let me commend you on your illustrious career and your position at the helm of one of India’s most iconic conglomerates, Larsen & Toubro. L&T has been a beacon of engineering prowess in India and globally. Your leadership undoubtedly carries immense responsibility, and for that, you deserve respect.
That said, your recent remarks suggesting that India’s workforce should clock in more hours to achieve greater productivity, have sparked a storm. While the intent behind your statement may have been to inspire industriousness, the reception has been, shall we say, less than enthusiastic. Social media is ablaze, op-eds are pouring in, and water cooler debates are rife. Allow me to contribute to this dialogue, because, as they say, sugar helps the medicine go down.
Let’s start with the premise of your argument: that more hours equals more productivity. A cursory glance at the world’s top economies tells us this equation doesn’t quite hold water. Consider the following examples:
1. The United States of America
The land of Silicon Valley and Wall Street works an average of 34.4 hours per week: a far cry from the stereotypical 9-to-9 grind. Yet, it remains the world’s largest economy.
Americans have mastered the art of working smarter, not harder. It’s not about the number of hours spent at the desk but the innovation that stems from them. Have you heard of companies like Google, where employees get “20% time” to pursue passion projects? That’s how Gmail and Google Maps came into being. Imagine telling a Google engineer to focus on punching the clock instead of nurturing groundbreaking ideas.
2. Germany
Ah, Germany, the epitome of efficiency. Germans work about 26-28 hours a week, making them some of the least hardworking people by sheer time. But productivity? Through the roof! BMW, Siemens, SAP, the list goes on. Germany demonstrates that quality trumps quantity every single time. Could it be that their shorter workweeks allow for better focus, higher morale, and fewer distractions? Food for thought.
3. Japan
Here’s where things get interesting. Japan’s culture of overwork manifested in the term “karoshi” (death from overwork) has led to serious social and health crises. Recognizing this, Japan is now shifting gears. Government initiatives encourage companies to let employees leave early, and four-day workweeks are being trialed. Even the famously industrious Japanese are waking up to the realization that more hours do not equate to better lives or better GDP.
4. France
Ah, la belle France! With its 35-hour workweek and mandatory five weeks of paid vacation, France ranks high on the Human Development Index. The French understand that work is a means to an end, not the end itself. France’s economy isn’t shabby either, being the seventh-largest globally. And let’s not even talk about the joie de vivre that permeates their lives. More croissants, less burnout—a win-win, wouldn’t you agree?
5. The Nordic Nations
Denmark, Sweden, Norway: the usual suspects in every happiness and human development ranking. These countries average 30-35 hours of work per week, yet their citizens enjoy unparalleled quality of life, robust economies, and a strong sense of community. They’ve cracked the code to balancing work and life, proving that less can indeed be more.
Now, let’s circle back to India, where an average employee already clocks in more than 48 hours per week. Despite these grueling schedules, our GDP per capita remains a fraction of that of the nations mentioned above. Could it be, Mr. Subrahmanyan, that the problem lies not in how long we work but in how we work?
Consider the following:
- Infrastructure and Tools: Many Indian workers lose precious hours to daily commutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Others grapple with outdated equipment or unreliable internet connections. Fix these, and you might find that employees accomplish more in six hours than they currently do in ten.
2. Management Practices: A culture of micromanagement, pointless meetings, and presenteeism (the practice of being “seen” at work without necessarily being productive) stifles creativity and efficiency. Why not focus on outcomes instead of hours?
3. Work-Life Balance: Studies show that overworked employees are less healthy, less engaged, and more likely to quit. A well-rested, happy worker is a productive worker. Isn’t it time we gave serious thought to flexible hours, remote work options, and shorter workweeks?
4. Innovation and Training: Encourage continuous learning and out-of-the-box thinking. Productivity isn’t just about churning out widgets faster; it’s about creating something new and valuable. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if L&T were known not just for its construction projects but also for pioneering ideas?
And then there’s the human aspect. Life is not meant to be a relentless march from one deadline to the next. It’s about the moments in between: spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, volunteering, or simply catching one’s breath. As someone in a position of influence, you have the power to shape not just corporate policy but societal norms. Why not champion a vision where work serves life, not the other way around?
Your words, controversial as they may be, have ignited an important conversation. We’re asking the right questions: What does productivity really mean? How do we measure success? What kind of future do we want to build—for ourselves, for our children, and for the generations to come?
India is at the crossroads. We can double down on the old ways: demanding more sweat and tears from our workforce. Or we can embrace a new paradigm: one that values innovation, efficiency, and above all, humanity. The choice, Mr. Subrahmanyan, is ours to make. And if anyone has the clout to lead this change, it’s you.
So, here’s to hoping that your next public address will be about how L&T is adopting progressive work policies, setting an example for the rest of corporate India. Now, wouldn’t that be something to be proud of?
Yours sincerely,
Devamalya De (X: @whiffofreshair)
A Concerned Citizen (Who Wouldn’t Mind a Four-Day Workweek Either)
