DoT relaxes work from home norms for IT-ITeS firms; is it really the new normal?

Last week, the Department of telecommunication announced that the Government has decided to extend work from home norms till December 31. Around 85% of the IT and ITes employees were working from home. DoT had first announced relaxation in WFH rules in April. At that time, India was under a strict lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19. It later extended the date till 31 July.

In April, NASSCOM had said that the trend of work from home is likely to continue even after the pandemic ends. This is because companies see it as a viable and cost-effective future model. It requires less space, gives employees control over their lives. Infact, Indian IT giants like TCS, Wipro and Infosys had shifted 90% of their workforce to work from home. But is this trend going to stay post-December 31, or when the COVID-19 vaccine is out?

Well, it might. Here are the reasons why Work From Home will be the new normal:

In May, many companies worldwide announced that they found work from home to be helpful. they might allow their employees to choose. One of the biggest reasons for this could be rent saving and low cost of infrastructure. In a survey by Global Workplace Analytics, 60% of the companies that went down to zero employees, saved on electricity, rent (when they removed their offices), work infrastructure and stationary. On the other hand, 8 out of 10 employees that worked from home saved on the commute, social activities, binge-eating and stayed with their families. The same report also suggested that 30% of the employees accepted work from home even if the pay was less, so the companies saved on payroll costs. It was a win-win.

Further, many companies even saw that they could hire better talent. Work from home allowed many people to do freelancing and thus, companies could get specialised talent at a lower cost, and pay according to the job. The pandemic also saw many people being laid-off. Some people started their ventures and turned to become the freelancers. Work from home also reduced absenteeism in employees. As the world went virtual almost overnight, excuses couldn't be held for leave applications. This increased the productivity of employees and developed a better relationship between them.

Suman*, talent acquisition and recruiter said that she can finally find the balance between her family and career. She further added that she was happy not to be laid off, and hiring new talents, but she found a new meaning in her work-life as she could adjust it according to her schedule and not the 9 to 5 suggested by the company.

This added to the fact that jobs are not 9 to 5 monotony anymore. It will feel more like intrapreneurship.

What do feel about work from home as the new normal?