Return To Office? No, Thanks

Many white-collar workers are ready to spruce up resumes and look for a job change if asked to return to office

- Vidya S

Gurgaon-based Harjas Sethi became an online sensation in February when she posted a video on her Instagram account about how her “rooh kaanp gayi” (soul was shaken to the core) when her employer sent out a survey to check what employees felt about returning to office. The video ends with Sethi clarifying it was for “entertainment purposes only.” She even addresses her boss, Zoya, saying she was ready to work anywhere given how bad the job market is.

The video, retweeted by RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka and Paytm Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, blew up on the internet. Its popularity echoes the pulse of a large section of India’s white-collar workforce which is no mood to return to office just yet. If pressed, many are prepared to resign after finding another job with a fully remote working option. “I will definitely leave if they force me to return. I’m looking for options anyways,” says a New Delhi-based user experience (UX) designer at a leading e-commerce app.

A recent Microsoft Work Trend Index survey found that 74 per cent of Indian employees want more flexible work options. The survey was based on responses from 30,000 people in 31 countries. It does not specify how many prefer fully remote work, but is clear that almost 62 per cent of India's workforce, including 51 per cent Gen Z employees, want to switch jobs this year. The UX designer counts herself in this category. “I’m sure some company will be willing to offer me remote working option.”

Commute, The Bad Guy