January 9, 2025 – In a world that’s slowly recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the recent comments from Larsen & Toubro’s (L&T) Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, have sparked outrage across social media and the workforce. Subrahmanyan, during a conversation with employees, suggested that his team should work on Sundays, a practice that has become less common in many companies today. The backlash was swift, and among those voicing their concerns was none other than Bollywood star and mental health advocate, Deepika Padukone.
Deepika, known for her open discussions about mental health, didn’t hold back when she reacted to Subrahmanyan’s statement. Sharing a post from journalist Faye D’Souza on her Instagram story, Deepika wrote, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.” The message was clear: She was deeply troubled by the idea of pushing employees to work on their day off.
The conversation started when Subrahmanyan addressed a question during a recent employee interaction. He defended the practice of having employees work on Saturdays, but it was his suggestion that employees should be expected to work on Sundays as well that set off the alarm bells. In today’s world, where burnout and stress are increasingly being recognized as serious issues, many employees and advocates for mental health are questioning the wisdom of such comments.
Deepika’s response wasn’t the only one. Across various social media platforms, many professionals shared their discomfort with the idea of a work culture that expects constant availability, especially on weekends. Experts on mental health quickly pointed out that the pressure to work every single day could lead to significant stress and exhaustion. They argued that such an expectation could be harmful, not just to the well-being of employees, but also to the company in the long run.
It’s not just Deepika Padukone who’s raising alarms. Many other voices have joined in, calling for a better work-life balance. In modern work culture, many companies have moved away from the traditional 9-to-5 model and are focused on giving their employees more flexibility. The growing trend of remote work, flexible hours, and paid time off has been praised for allowing people to take care of their mental and physical health while still being productive at work.
But Subrahmanyan’s comments seem to be at odds with this evolving workplace environment. While his intentions might have been aimed at maximizing productivity, the reality is that such rigid expectations can take a serious toll on workers. Mental health advocates stress that overworking can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression, which, in turn, impacts overall performance and job satisfaction.
There’s also the question of setting an example for other companies. When leaders of major corporations make such comments, it can unintentionally set the tone for other workplaces to adopt similar policies. For many, the idea of a “Sunday work culture” feels like a step backward in terms of employee rights and respect for personal time.
It’s essential to recognize that employees are not just cogs in a machine, but individuals who need time to recharge, spend with loved ones, and focus on their well-being. Without these moments of rest, productivity can actually decrease over time, leaving everyone involved burnt out and unhappy.
While some argue that such expectations may come from a place of ambition and dedication, it’s important to remember that a company’s long-term success depends on the health and happiness of its employees. Leaders should not only focus on their company’s growth but also on the well-being of the people who help drive that success.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to strike a balance between achieving company goals and ensuring that employees are not overwhelmed. Subrahmanyan’s comments, though seemingly innocuous to some, have highlighted an important conversation that is likely to continue. As more people like Deepika Padukone speak out about mental health and work-life balance, the hope is that such discussions will inspire positive changes in workplaces across the globe.
This incident serves as a reminder that while ambition and hard work are important, they should never come at the cost of one’s health and happiness. Time off is necessary not just for rest, but for maintaining mental clarity and creativity, which in turn can lead to even better productivity when employees return to their tasks.
As the conversation continues to unfold, it’s clear that many people, from all walks of life, are standing up for what matters most: a healthy balance between work and life.
