The recent extension of the ‘work from home’ (WFH) option in IT companies within Special Economic Zones (SEZs) by the central government has sparked discussions, especially as the country appeared to be moving past the pandemic. While many employees, accustomed to the WFH or hybrid model, welcomed the news, major IT players like TCS and Wipro express skepticism, preferring a return to the traditional office setup.
Suresh V Panicker, COO of Experion Technologies, advocates for the work-from-office model, emphasizing the importance of collective behavior in delivering projects efficiently and staying competitive. He notes that a solely remote setup can lead to negative sentiments and hinder career growth. According to him, an office environment fosters collaboration, specialized skill acquisition, and mutual trust.
TCS, with campuses in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, recently mandated its employees to work five days a week from the office, highlighting the belief that in-person work is crucial for integrating new hires with the company’s values. Similarly, Wipro recommends at least three days of office work per week, with chairman Rishad Premji stressing the human aspect of connectedness that technology can’t fully replicate.
The government’s extension of the WFH option in SEZs until December 31, 2024, has stirred further debate on the balance between remote and office work. While the pandemic threat has diminished, the preferences of IT majors underscore a push toward reestablishing the traditional work-from-office model as essential for organizational culture and employee growth.
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