JOIN USThe office space is disappearing, and it is being replaced by technical appliances at homes which enable employees to do everything which can be done in a office.
A recent survey by ASSOCHAM says that more than half the employees at Indian companies prefer to do office work through gadgets like smartphones, iPad and tablets at home.
Majority of the respondents said they do not need to stay in office to be productive, as they carry their electronic devices to remain accessible to colleagues and clients. The study was conducted among 350 officers and executives in sectors like automobile, banking, manufacturing and real-estate.
Young professionals across industries, especially in media, public relations, event management and Human Resource agree. Sneha Swarnakar, an HR and recruitment executive says, “It’s a good idea. All that we need to do our work is a cell phone, a laptop and internet connection. All three are present at my residence too and I can easily deliver from home.”
“Many of my colleagues actually do that. You have Skype and G-talk on computers or laptops to stay in touch with teammates free of cost. When a meeting is needed, video-conferencing can be done. For presentations, all that we need is an Excel-sheet, not even a pen and paper. Then where is the need to come to office?”
Sandita Paul, a professional echoes her sentiment, “My company actually encourages this. Many seniors in my office are allowed to work from home off and on. When efficient women employees get married or have children, and need office flexibility to work from home, my company doesn’t hesitate. I guess it’s better than losing a good
employee.”
Not all agree with these arguments though. Some feel the office space is necessary to ensure work discipline and healthy work relationships. Sujata Sengupta, an event management personnel says, “I don’t feel like I am working if I don’t go to office on a certain day. An office space is necessary for me to maintain good relations with my colleagues and boss – after all, they do become an important part of your life once you start working.”
Besides, many a time, clients enquire if you have an office and don’t take your work seriously if you reply in the negative, she adds.
Rahul Bansal, a media professional says, “I would never opt for working from home or from the field completely. If I tell my bosses that I can just work with the aid of my laptop and smart phone, I am sure there will be nothing like office hours left and they will make me work 24X7. That is obviously not what I want.”