IT Industry Begins Operations with 10-20% Workforce

Hyderabad: The IT industry in Hyderabad is getting back to work from their respective campuses, in a staggered way, after operating with as low as five per cent workforce since the first phase of lockdown was announced, to about 10-20 per cent now.

Telangana government, which extended the lockdown till May 29, has provided certain relaxations for private companies. IT/ITeS industry located in GHMC area is all set to begin operations today.

Explaining the scenario, Jayesh Ranjan, principal secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT), Government of Telangana, told Telangana Today, “There are many companies who will not come to office even when the facility of allowing 33 per cent workforce operating from office is given today. There are many companies who want to continue work from home at least till the end of May. And after that also, they will decide whether it is absolutely fine to come to office.”

“My assessment is that 50 per cent companies will continue to work from home. In the remaining 50 per cent also, 33 per cent workforce operating from office looks unlikely at this stage. We conducted a survey of about 90 companies few days ago. The findings showed that many of the companies will go up to 10-15 per cent or to a maximum 20 per cent. A handful of companies are ready to go for 33 per cent work from office. From a geographic point of view, all the companies are in safe areas. There are no location-specific concerns,” he added.

Companies and employees are working out transportation plans, evaluating company-organised vehicles and personal vehicles for commute, following social distancing norms.

The industry has been issued certain guidelines to be followed, which include staggered timings for login and log out, authorisation letters, restricted movement during curfew hours, following physical distancing norms in office and in vehicles, and no operation of cafeteria and other crowd gathering spots. With these guidelines in place, the 10 lakh-plus workforce will be gradually getting back to the work.