Title: 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 recent years, with the rise of remote work and flexible working arrangements becoming a norm in many industries. However, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of working from home, and some still believe that traditional office environments are the most productive. L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently sparked a heated debate when he made some remarks about working from home, which have left many in the technology industry scratching their heads.
Subrahmanyan, who has been at the helm of L&T since 2017, recently made some comments about the changing nature of work and the expectations of employees. In a recent interview, he said, “When I joined L&T in 1983, my boss said, if you’re from Chennai, you go to Delhi and work. Today, if you ask an IT employee to come to the office and work, he says ‘bye’ (he resigns).” His remarks have been met with both praise and criticism, with some arguing that he is right about the difficulties of getting employees to come to the office, while others believe that he is out of touch with the modern workplace.
Subrahmanyan’s comments are not the first time he has spoken about the challenges of managing a modern workforce. In the past, he has spoken about the need to adapt to changing times and to be more flexible in order to attract and retain top talent. However, his recent remarks have taken things to a new level, with some arguing that he is resisting the inevitable and refusing to accept that the traditional office environment is no longer the most effective way to work.
So, what does Subrahmanyan’s comment mean? At its core, it suggests that the traditional office environment is no longer seen as a necessary or desirable place to work for many employees. This is particularly true in the technology industry, where many companies are now adopting remote work arrangements as a matter of course. In fact, a recent survey by Upwork found that 63% of companies are now using remote work arrangements, with 73% of employees saying that they would like to work remotely at least some of the time.
There are many reasons why employees may prefer to work from home, rather than coming into the office. For one thing, it can be more convenient and flexible. With the ability to work from anywhere, employees can more easily balance their work and personal responsibilities, which can lead to greater job satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, working from home can also be less stressful, as employees are not subject to the same distractions and interruptions that can occur in a traditional office environment.
Of course, not everyone is convinced about the benefits of working from home. Some argue that it can be more difficult to collaborate and communicate with colleagues when working remotely, which can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. Additionally, some companies may be concerned about the potential impact on company culture and morale, as employees may feel less connected to the organization and its values.
Despite these concerns, many companies are now recognizing the benefits of remote work and are adopting flexible working arrangements as a matter of course. In fact, a recent survey by Gartner found that 47% of companies are now allowing employees to work from home, with 23% saying that they plan to increase the number of remote workers in the future.
So, what does the future hold for the traditional office environment? While Subrahmanyan’s comment may have sparked a heated debate, it is clear that the world of work is undergoing a significant transformation. As technology continues to evolve and the needs of employees continue to change, it is likely that the traditional office environment will play a less central role in the future of work.
In conclusion, Subrahmanyan’s comment about IT employees saying ‘bye’ when asked to come to the office is a reflection of the changing nature of work and the expectations of employees. While some may argue that he is resisting the inevitable and refusing to accept that the traditional office environment is no longer the most effective way to work, it is clear that the world of work is undergoing a significant transformation. As companies continue to adapt to changing times and evolve their working arrangements, it is likely that we will see a greater emphasis on flexibility and remote work in the future.
