If You Ask an IT Employee to Come to Office, He Says ‘Bye’: L&T Chairman
In an era where the concept of work-life balance has become increasingly important, it’s not uncommon for employees to demand flexibility in their work arrangements. With the advent of technology, remote work has become a norm in many industries, particularly in the IT sector. However, not everyone is pleased with this shift. Take, for instance, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan, who recently sparked a debate by sharing his views on working from home.
Subrahmanyan, who has been with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for over three decades, made some startling remarks during 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,” he said. “Today, if you ask an IT employee to come to the office and work, he says ‘bye’ (he resigns).” These comments have sent shockwaves across the industry, with many questioning the chairman’s understanding of the modern workplace.
Subrahmanyan’s remarks are not the first of their kind. In recent years, there have been several instances where business leaders have expressed concerns about the impact of remote work on employee productivity and company culture. However, the L&T chairman’s comments are particularly noteworthy, given the company’s own experience with remote work.
L&T is one of India’s largest engineering conglomerates, with a diverse range of businesses that include construction, manufacturing, and IT services. The company has a significant presence in the IT sector, with a large pool of software engineers and developers working on various projects. In recent years, L&T has been actively promoting remote work, with many of its employees working from home or from client sites.
So, what led Subrahmanyan to make such a comment? It’s possible that he is concerned about the impact of remote work on company culture and employee engagement. In a traditional office setting, face-to-face interactions play a crucial role in building relationships and fostering collaboration. However, with remote work, these interactions are limited, and employees may feel disconnected from their colleagues and the company.
Another possible reason for Subrahmanyan’s comment is the fear of losing control over employees who work from home. When employees are physically present in the office, it’s easier for managers to monitor their work and ensure that they are meeting their targets. However, with remote work, it becomes more challenging to track employee productivity and ensure that they are working diligently.
Despite these concerns, many experts believe that remote work is here to stay. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, and many employees have come to appreciate the flexibility and work-life balance that it offers. In fact, a recent survey by Gartner found that 47% of employees in the Asia-Pacific region are working remotely at least one day a week, up from 33% in 2020.
So, what can companies do to address Subrahmanyan’s concerns and ensure that their employees are productive and engaged while working remotely? Here are a few suggestions:
- Set clear expectations: Companies should establish clear expectations around work hours, output, and communication protocols to ensure that employees understand what is expected of them.
- Use technology to stay connected: Companies can use video conferencing tools, instant messaging apps, and collaboration software to stay connected with employees and facilitate communication.
- Monitor employee productivity: Companies can use productivity tracking software to monitor employee output and ensure that they are meeting their targets.
- Foster a sense of community: Companies can organize virtual social events, team-building activities, and recognition programs to foster a sense of community and engagement among remote employees.
In conclusion, while Subrahmanyan’s comments may have sparked debate, they also highlight the importance of finding a balance between employee flexibility and company productivity. As the IT sector continues to evolve, companies need to adapt to changing employee preferences and find innovative ways to ensure that their employees are productive and engaged, regardless of their work location.
