Hyderabad's IT Hub Struggles to Bring Workers Back to Offices Amid Pandemic Fears
Hyderabad, India's second-largest IT hub, is gradually easing lockdown restrictions. However, the return to offices is proving challenging, with employees hesitant to resume work due to pandemic fears. Currently, only 10% of Hyderabad's IT workforce is attending offices, with the rest working remotely.
Initially, during lockdown relaxations, just 5% of IT employees were allowed to return to work for essential services. This number has since doubled to 10%. The IT industry in Hyderabad is permitted to have only one-third of its workforce in the office at a time to maintain social distancing. Major IT parks in Hitec City remain largely deserted, with over 90% of staff working remotely.
Bharani Kumar Aroll, President of HYSEA, acknowledges the difficulty in getting employees back to work after months of working from home. He anticipates employee resistance in adjusting to pre-pandemic norms. Social distancing protocols are expected to continue until a COVID-19 cure is found.
With Telangana's lockdown set to lift on May 27, more employees may return to work. However, businesses face an uphill task in convincing employees to resume office work due to ongoing pandemic concerns. The IT industry in Hyderabad is likely to continue operating with a majority of its workforce working remotely for the foreseeable future.
