'It’s not how long you...’: Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar reacts to L&T Chairman’s 90-hour workweek remark

The work-life balance debate has been reignited after prominent personalities voiced differing opinions on social media. Larsen and Toubro (L&T) chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, faced backlash for his controversial comments, expressing 'regret' about not requiring employees to work on Sundays and questioning the time they spend with their spouses. His remarks drew widespread criticism from entrepreneurs and celebrities alike. Globally respected spiritual leader and humanitarian Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also weighed in on the ongoing discussion surrounding the 90-hour workweek controversy.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar At the Art of Living International Ashram in Bengaluru voiced his opinion on work-life balance, "It's not how long you should work, but how effectively you should work." The majority of them overlook this. To write a single proposal or write a single letter, someone can spend hours at their workstation. Therefore, you should count the effectiveness before the hours.

“Dynamism of a person, the enthusiasm of a person matters more than time.If the person has the passion, and they can work without getting tired. And if there is no passion and you force someone to work, its not going to work. The burnout today is because the mind is unsettled. With a restless mind, you can’t achieve anything. This fact has been overlooked. I would tell them to meditate everyday, 20 minutes during the lunch break. Then you see how the productivity will increase,” he added.

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 an 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.