COVID-19: IT Firms extend WFH by three months in Bengaluru

Image source: freepik.com

Several IT and ITES Firms are extending the work-from-home (WFH) option as the Covid-19 cases are surging across the State, particularly in Bengaluru. The companies had earlier affirmed that WFH would be till March 31 and the employees could return to the regular work from Wednesday. But now, keeping in view of the rising cases, the employees have been asked not to visit offices unless it is absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, the State Government employees have pointed out that they are at a higher risk and are asking for work from home option too.

A prominent IT Firm in East Bengaluru had given the WFH option to its employees till March 31 but the date has been extended by three more months. A multinational investment bank and financial services company in Bengaluru had also asked its staff to return to their regular work from Wednesday, but now they were informed to continue with the WFH option. “Most of the companies have extended work from home till June and a few till September”, said KS Viswanathan, Vice-President (Industry Initiatives).

Efficiency improved by WFH says Nasscom Vice-President

KS Viswanathan, Vice-President (Industry Initiative), Nasscom stated, “Though it has been one year and one-month since IT/ITES companies started work from home, the quality of work has not suffered. IT companies continue to get new projects, recruitments are happening and the efficiency has gone up too.” With a spike in Covid-19 cases, the State Government employees are also appealing to give them the WFH option or to allow 50 per cent functioning of the staff from the office.

Vidhana Soudha, Vikasa Soudha and MS Building have over 3,000 employees working and nearly thousands of people visit these offices every day. ” We have kept a basic hand sanitiser and temperature checking machine. Unlike the private sector, we cannot restrict the movement of people here”, said Guruswamy, President, Karnataka State Secretariat Employees’ Association.

Perikal M Sundar, President, FKCCI stated that while the industries are still suffering from the first lockdown, a second one would be a disaster. He has also proposed that the government should prioritise the Industrial workers for the vaccination drive as they do not have the work from home option.