This article was originally published in Insights.
The remarks by S.N. Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), advocating for a 90-hour workweek, sparked widespread backlash. Similarly, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s suggestion of a 70-hour workweek faced sharp criticism for promoting what many perceive as a toxic overwork culture. These incidents reveal an enduring tension between traditional notions of work and the shifting priorities of today’s workforce.
Modern employees, particularly Gen Z and millennials, place equal importance on intangible benefits like flexibility, mental health, and work-life balance alongside salaries and perks. Research by Mark Mortensen and Amy Edmondson in their Harvard Business Review article “Rethink Your Employee Value Proposition” (2023) underscores that the younger generation values workplaces that prioritize purpose and well-being as much as productivity. Leaders must recognize the impact of their statements and policies on an evolving workforce or risk alienating their employees.
