On Sunday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to revisit work-from-home practices established during the pandemic as a way to conserve fuel and lessen reliance on imports amidst the ongoing oil crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized, “In this time of global crisis, we must make a commitment and stick to it with seriousness, keeping our responsibilities in mind. The key resolution is to minimize our use of petrol and diesel. We should do our best to reduce consumption.”
Modi highlighted the significance of “saving foreign exchange” by curtailing imports, suggesting that citizens should delay overseas travel, avoid purchasing gold this year, and cut down on items like cooking oil and fertilizers, while also bringing back work-from-home routines.
“We need to prioritize working from home, and make use of online meetings,” he noted.
He remarked on the rising trend of international travel among the middle class, saying, “In this challenging period, we should resolve to postpone foreign travel for at least a year.”
On the following Monday, IT worker organizations convened under the New Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES). They approached the Ministry of Labor seeking a formal policy on telecommuting.
NITES expressed support for remote work measures, referencing proven cost savings and sustained productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They argued, “The pandemic experience has made it clear that enforcing telecommuting in suitable IT departments is realistic and manageable.”
Additionally, industry analysts mentioned that conversations are already taking place in corporate circles about the possibility of returning to remote work, especially if Prime Minister Modi opts out of issuing official guidelines.
Most IT leaders echoed NITES’s perspective, noting that remote and hybrid work setups are gaining acceptance, contributing positively to employee well-being and operational savings.
“Removing commuting stress has helped employees achieve a better work-life balance, and employers are seeing enhanced performance as a result. Work should be evaluated based on outcomes, not just hours clocked at a desk,” stated Nikal Arora, CEO of Mentria.
Yet, it’s worth noting that some sectors may not be suited for remote work, and conflict could arise if certain employees need to maintain a physical presence at the office.
Anil Agarwal, founder of employment service InCruiter, pointed out, “Preparedness varies greatly by industry. Tech firms can adapt swiftly, while smaller businesses and manufacturing entities face greater challenges. Implementing remote work hinges on trust, technology, and process discipline—areas where many still fall short.”
Other Asian nations have also intensified fuel conservation measures since Iran halted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Korea taking action. While they haven’t formally recommended work-from-home practices like Modi, some have trialed shorter workweeks or voluntary no-drive days.
