Battle for home office: Kerala IT rejects total WFH, but workers disagree

KOCHI: Kerala’s IT sector has reacted coolly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to prioritise remote work amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Tech companies across the state have signalled they are unwilling to dismantle their existing hybrid work structures.

The Prime Minister’s recommendation aimed to curb fuel consumption in light of global uncertainties. However, industry bodies like NASSCOM and G-Tech argue that the hybrid systems established in the post-pandemic era cannot be easily overhauled. Currently, most firms operate on a model requiring employees to work a majority of the week from the office.

Management authorities at major IT hubs—including Thiruvananthapuram Technopark, Kochi Infopark, and Kozhikode Cyberpark—confirmed that the Prime Minister’s call has generated little momentum. Representatives from Infopark firms noted that having a physical workforce is essential for seamless business operations, client consultations, and strategic meetings. Infrastructure deficits, such as inadequate high-speed internet in remote areas, were also cited as significant operational hurdles.

Tech Unions Push for Mandatory Remote Work

In contrast, the IT workforce has strongly backed the Prime Minister's proposal. The Nascent IT Employees Senate (NITES) submitted a formal memorandum to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging the central government to legally institutionalise the work-from-home model. The union highlighted that IT professionals endure gruelling daily commutes, heavy traffic congestion, and heightened stress levels to reach their workplaces.

While the standard hybrid model theoretically splits the week between office and remote work, employee advocates argue the reality is different. Aneesh Panthalani, convener of the IT employee welfare group Progressive Techies, pointed out that companies are increasingly pressuring staff to maximise their days in the office rather than offering flexibility.