With designated workstations and a greater focus on fitness: Corporates adapt to work from home as the new normal

By Times of India – With designated workstations and a greater focus on fitness: Corporates adapt to work from home as the new normal On Sunday, when Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority CEO VS Kundu told media that MNCs, BPOs and IT enabled services (ITES) in the city may have to allow their employees to work from home till July-end, it created a mini-panic among the city’s workforce. Many had assumed work from home (WFH) was a temporary measure during the lockdown. While Kundu clarified that his statement was not an official order but a personal estimation, many realised that official order or not, they are in this for the long haul. WFH is no longer an ad hoc model that needs to be sustained only during the lockdown – many are now making concrete changes in their lifestyle and work models to adapt to this model of working, which may soon be the new normal. The biggest change has been in the way teams and co-workers communicate, and many say that mastering effective remote communication is almost vital for their CV now. Abhishek Rathi, a senior consultant with an IT giant, says, “I have to communicate better because my meetings are now on video or calls. I can’t rely on my body language or non-verbal communication skills anymore. I’ve taken time to understand the apps and platforms we are using to communicate, and that has helped me a lot.” Employees tell us they tend to be always available and working round the clock when working from home. Adil Nargolwala, Corporate VP with an MNC, says, “Working from home means you save at least an hour of commute every day. Some people use that extra time for work, which isn’t healthy. This is a chance to achieve greater work-life balance. Utilising the extra time in relaxation, recreation, or just spending time with family keeps you mentally sound.” ‘Focus on fitness, time management’Pramod Mundra, senior executive with an electronics giant, says, “Maintain a discipline while working at home, in terms of scheduling calls and breaks. Also, stay active – you don’t have to do rigorous exercise, but just light walking and workout will ensure you maintain your physical and mental well-being.” ‘Video calls keep people alert’Rashmi Mohanty, a senior finance professional working in Gurgaon, says, “I liked going to office because I felt more productive. But I’ve had to adapt to the WFH model. It’s important to feel involved in work, and for that, I have team meetings on video, which improves productivity and leads to a better lifestyle while working from home.” ‘Maintain proper work discipline’Bipin Kaul, senior executive at a private bank, tells us, “I wake up and continue with the routine I had when I used to go to office. I get dressed and work at my designated workstation in my room, and not in my pyjamas on the couch. You need that discipline in order to sustain this model for a long time.” DownloadThe Times of India News App for Latest City NewsSubscribeStart Your Daily Mornings with Times of India Newspaper! Order Now

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