NEW DELHI, 12 JAN

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has joined the ongoing conversation about work-life balance, emphasising the importance of quality over quantity in work hours.

In a lighthearted social media post, Poonawalla echoed Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra’s sentiment, saying, “Yes (Anand Mahindra), even my wife (Natasha Poonawalla) thinks I am wonderful; she loves staring at me on Sundays. Quality of work over quantity always.”

Poonawalla’s comment followed a controversial remark by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who advocated for 90-hour workweeks, including Sundays, to stay competitive.

Subrahmanyan questioned the value of leisure time, saying, “How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working.”

His remarks drew widespread backlash, with criticism from various quarters

The debate over work-life balance has also reignited past comments by Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who suggested employees should be prepared for 70-hour workweeks.

Amid this, Mahindra and Poonawalla’s remarks have offered a contrasting perspective, emphasising smart work and the value of personal time over excessive hours.