If you ask an IT employee to come to office, he says ‘bye’: L&T Chairman
The world of work has undergone a significant transformation in the past few decades. With the advent of technology, remote work has become the new norm, and many companies have adapted to this change to attract and retain top talent. However, some traditionalists still cling to the old ways, and recently, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan sparked a debate by sharing his thoughts on working from home. In a recent interview, Subrahmanyan criticized the concept of remote work, saying that it is affecting the quality of work and leading to a lack of accountability among employees.
Subrahmanyan’s remarks have sparked a heated debate, with many arguing that he is out of touch with the modern workplace. In fact, his own words seem to contradict his stance on remote work. During the interview, he shared a personal anecdote from his early days at L&T, saying, “When I joined L&T in 1983, my boss said, if you’re from Chennai, you go to Delhi and work.” This suggests that even he was asked to work away from his hometown, highlighting the need for flexibility in the modern workforce.
However, it’s his subsequent statement that has raised eyebrows: “Today, if you ask an IT employee to come to the office and work, he says ‘bye’ (he resigns).” This comment has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it’s unfair to generalize and stigmatize the entire IT sector. The comment also ignores the fact that many IT professionals are already working remotely due to the nature of their jobs, and it’s not a matter of choice but of necessity.
Subrahmanyan’s remarks have also been seen as a reflection of the outdated views of some corporate leaders. In an era where companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have made remote work a central part of their strategies, it’s surprising to hear a CEO criticize the concept. The benefits of remote work are well-documented, including increased productivity, better work-life balance, and reduced turnover rates.
Moreover, Subrahmanyan’s comment about IT employees is particularly puzzling. The IT sector is known for its high demand for skilled professionals, and companies are willing to go to great lengths to attract and retain top talent. In fact, many IT companies have already adopted flexible work arrangements, recognizing that it’s essential to provide employees with the autonomy to work in a way that suits them best.
The debate surrounding remote work is not new, and it’s a topic that has been discussed extensively in the business world. Proponents of remote work argue that it allows employees to work from anywhere, at any time, and that it increases productivity and job satisfaction. On the other hand, opponents argue that it can lead to a lack of accountability and social isolation.
However, the reality is that remote work is here to stay, and companies that fail to adapt will struggle to attract and retain top talent. In fact, a recent survey by Upwork found that 63% of companies have remote workers, and the number is expected to grow in the coming years.
In conclusion, Subrahmanyan’s remarks have sparked a much-needed debate about the future of work. While he may have a point about the need for accountability and face-to-face interaction, his blanket statement about IT employees is unfair and outdated. The modern workplace requires flexibility and autonomy, and companies that fail to provide these benefits will struggle to succeed.
