- Ex-L&T employee Amey Kulkarni supports Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s 90-hour workweek comment.
- Kulkarni highlights the importance of discipline in L&T’s hierarchical work culture.
- He emphasizes that long hours can speed up infrastructure projects, like metro systems.
Amey Kulkarni, a former employee of L&T, recently defended Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s statement advocating a 90-hour workweek, asserting that it aligns with the company’s goals. Drawing on his experience, he explained that such a work culture is vital for L&T’s large-scale projects, which often require strict schedules and unwavering commitment.
He cited metro construction as an example, noting how extended work hours could significantly reduce project timelines, benefiting cities and commuters alike.
The Controversy of 90-Hour Workweeks: L&T’s Culture Under Debate
Kulkarni also compared L&T’s hierarchical structure to the military, where discipline and work ethics are prioritized over creativity or brilliance. While acknowledging the taxing nature of working Saturdays, he described L&T as an ideal workplace for middle-class, non-software engineers, offering stability and a chance for growth.
He elaborated on the benefits of disciplined work practices, pointing out that faster project completions, such as metros, could drastically improve urban mobility and development. This perspective highlights the trade-off between employee well-being and the larger societal gains from accelerated infrastructure projects.
Kulkarni also shared his personal experience, revealing that while he found the extended work culture exhausting, it helped him understand the value of discipline. He called L&T a top choice for middle-class engineers seeking stability and long-term growth, reflecting its reputation in non-software sectors.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential employee burnout and questioned the sustainability of a 90-hour workweek. The debate draws attention to the challenge of balancing organizational goals with humane working conditions in high-pressure industries.
The conversation around L&T’s work culture reveals the complexity of balancing operational efficiency with employee welfare, raising important questions about sustainable work practices.
“If L&T works during the night, your metro will get built in half the time.”
Amey Kulkarni’s defense of L&T’s rigorous work culture rests on this practical insight,
