Talks should be about raising IT productivity, not hours: Namita
In a recent tweet, Emcure Pharma’s Executive Director Namita Thapar sparked a much-needed conversation about the IT industry’s approach to productivity. She emphasized that instead of focusing on increasing working hours, the industry should be focusing on raising IT productivity. This statement comes at a time when the IT sector is grappling with the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape, and it’s refreshing to see someone like Namita Thapar highlighting the need for a productivity-focused approach.
To illustrate her point, Namita Thapar shared data from the Economic Times, which showed a significant decline in IT revenue per employee (RPE) since FY05. This data is a stark reminder that despite the industry’s growth, the productivity of IT professionals has not kept pace. In fact, the data suggests that RPE has been steadily decreasing over the years, which is a cause for concern.
But what’s even more alarming is the fact that real wages have been stagnant over the past four years. This means that despite the industry’s growth, the actual salaries of IT professionals have not kept pace with inflation. This is a worrying trend, especially for a sector that is known for its high demand for skilled professionals.
So, what’s behind this decline in IT productivity and stagnation in real wages? There are several factors at play here. One of the main reasons is the increasing emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence. While these technologies have the potential to increase productivity, they also have the potential to displace human workers. This means that IT professionals need to be constantly upskilling and reskilling to remain relevant in the industry.
Another factor is the changing nature of work. With the rise of remote work, IT professionals are now expected to be available 24/7, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. This is especially true for professionals who are working on projects that require intense focus and concentration.
Finally, there is the issue of work-life balance. IT professionals are often expected to work long hours, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. This is especially true for professionals who are working on projects that require intense focus and concentration.
So, what can be done to raise IT productivity and improve real wages? There are several steps that can be taken. One of the first steps is to focus on upskilling and reskilling IT professionals. This can be done through training programs, workshops, and conferences that provide professionals with the skills they need to remain relevant in the industry.
Another step is to promote work-life balance. This can be done by implementing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, which can help professionals achieve a better balance between their work and personal life.
Finally, there is a need for the industry to focus on increasing IT productivity. This can be done by implementing productivity-enhancing technologies, such as project management software, collaboration tools, and time tracking software, which can help professionals work more efficiently and effectively.
In conclusion, Namita Thapar’s statement about the need to focus on raising IT productivity rather than increasing hours is a timely reminder of the need for the industry to adopt a more productivity-focused approach. While there are several challenges that the industry faces, there are also several steps that can be taken to improve productivity and real wages. By focusing on upskilling and reskilling IT professionals, promoting work-life balance, and increasing IT productivity, the industry can ensure that it remains competitive and successful in the long term.
Source:
https://x.com/namitathapar/status/1906548489150136337
