As Wipro and Infosys set the stage for a return to office, Bangalore’s IT community engages in spirited discussions on their work preferences
The Call of Cubicle
As the post-COVID era settles in, the work culture in Bangalore’s IT landscape is undergoing a paradigm shift. In a recent decisive move, top IT giants, Wipro and Infosys, called upon its employees to return to the “traditional” work from-office mode. Noteworthy, however, is the companies’ strategic approach. Avoiding an abrupt departure from the pandemic-induced work-from-home era, both the giants gracefully treaded the path of a hybrid work model, aiming for a seamless transition back to the cubicles. Wipro’s directive echoes clarity, urging employees to resume office duties at least three days a week from November 15, while Infosys takes a slightly more immersive approach, beckoning its workforce for a minimum of ten days per month. As expected, the move, evoked mixed reactions from the city’s corporate janata, with majority leaning towards the “tried-and-tested” work-from-office model.
Embracing the shift back to office
Sayoni Bhatt, a tech lead at Wipro, resonates with elation. Anticipating a return to the office, she eagerly awaits the prospect of meeting her co-workers. Sayoni expresses, “I wholeheartedly welcome this decision by Wipro. After over three years of remote work since the pandemic began, I am eager to return to Bengaluru, embracing the pre-pandemic vibrancy of office life.”
Saurabh Govil, Wipro’s Chief Human Resources Officer, sheds light on the strategic intent behind the hybrid work model. He feels that the call is focused on increasing in-person interactions and collaborations in the company.
“This aims to invigorate the company’s corporate culture, promoting teamwork and fostering seamless communication to address challenges effectively,” he adds.
Shiv, a Front-End Developer at Infosys, applauds the move, highlighting the importance of occasional face-to-face interactions. “While working from the office is beneficial, meeting colleagues is crucial. Ten days a month is reasonable, fostering social bonds. Infosys’s decision is beneficial for all,” he says. Contrarily, Rajan R, a programme manager at Infosys, denounces the work-from-home trend, attributing it to lethargy and diminished productivity. Firm in his stance, he asserts, “I always wanted employees back in the office. The pandemic is over; we must get back on track. There’s a noticeable loss of productivity with remote work. Blaming city traffic is an excuse. I wholeheartedly support the company’s decision.”
Employees from various IT firms also weighed in on the matter. A risk analysis manager at Amazon stressed the importance of in-person collaboration for brainstorming ideas and highlighted the value of giving back to the company. Emphasizing the positive impact on mental health, Giriraj, the risk analysis manager at Amazon, expressed, “It’s time to move past the permanent work-from home hangover. Let’s give back to the firm that supported us. Working from the office fosters social activity, breaks, and idea generation—essential elements missing in a technology-dependent, isolated work-from-home scenario, impacting mental well-being and turning talkative individuals into introverts.”
Debating the return
In the midst of the “let’s-go-to office” excitement, some argue that working from home is not only personally advantageous but also beneficial for the company.
Robin, a lead developer at Wipro, holds a unique perspective, considering working from home as a time-saving strategy. “Work from the office for life. Companies should leave it to the employee’s discretion. Bengalore is congested with traffic grid locks; working from the office should reduce time wasted in commuting and be used more productively,” suggests Robin. One primary reason for employees resisting the return-to-office calls is the aggravating traffic situation in Bangalore.
Priya, EHS executive at Shell, expresses a strong desire to work from home, driven by frustration with traffic congestion and the city’s population explosion. “In my professional sphere, the option to work from home is limited, but I yearn for it. Frustrated with the city’s traffic, I contemplate switching domains for a peaceful remote work experience. While colleagues argue that working at the office fosters a healthy social life, I believe we can maintain those connections with our friends and families. Nevertheless, I find the approach taken by Wipro and Infosys admirable; they allow flexibility in office attendance, creating a win-win situation for both employees and employers,” she says.
Ashwin Reddy, a seasoned Sr. UI/UX designer at Anthem Inc., contemplates the impact of returning to the office, highlighting potential consequences such as increased traffic in the city and soaring real estate prices. “Wipro and Infosys took the right steps for their employees.