To RTO or WFH? – Why India Is A Little Different

The global debate over returning to office (RTO) versus continuing to work from home (WFH) has taken center stage post-pandemic. Companies and employees across the world are grappling with the decision, weighing productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance.

However, during a recent visit to India, a Corporate Real Estate client shared an interesting observation: for many Indians, the office is primarily an environment to focus. Whereas many assume that the office is where we go to meet and collaborate with colleagues and the home being where we would choose to spend undisturbed focus time.

This fundamental difference offers insight into why the RTO versus WFH debate in India is distinct from global trends but perhaps has parallels in other densely populated regions where space is at a premium, for example Hong Kong and Tokyo.

Cultural and Societal Factors

One of the main reasons for this difference seems to be in the cultural and societal structure of India. In many Indian households, especially in dense urban areas, space is a premium. Multi-generational families often live under one roof, leading to environments that are bustling and lively but not necessarily conducive to focused work.

So for many Indian professionals, the office provides a sanctuary from the distractions of home life. It’s a space where they can concentrate, access reliable internet, and enjoy uninterrupted work time.

This situation is mirrored in other densely populated cities such as the earlier examples of Hong Kong and Tokyo, where living spaces are often compact, and household noise levels can be high. For professionals in these cities, the office serves as a necessary environment to maintain productivity and focus, away from the constraints of limited home space.

Professional Development and Career Growth

The perception of professional development and career growth also influences the preference for RTO in India. There is a strong belief that being physically present in the office leads to better visibility, networking opportunities, and career progression. Although this aspect is more universal and not unique to India.

Face-to-face interactions with managers and colleagues are seen as essential for building relationships and demonstrating commitment. This belief is shared in other densely populated regions where physical presence in the workplace is often equated with dedication and productivity.

Workplace Culture and Collaboration

Interestingly, while the office is seen primarily as a place to focus in India, the importance of collaboration is not overlooked. Indian companies have adapted to hybrid models where collaborative tasks, meetings, and brainstorming sessions are scheduled on specific days, while other days are reserved for individual, focused work.

This hybrid approach allows for a blend of both worlds, recognising the need for collaboration without compromising on the necessity for a distraction-free environment.

And across many other densely populated urban centres across Asia, similar hybrid models are being adopted. Companies in these cities are also finding ways to balance collaboration and focused work by leveraging technology and flexible scheduling. 

The emphasis on physical office space for focused work while reserving specific times for collaborative efforts is a strategy that resonates across these high-density urban environments.

Psychological Factors

The psychological aspects of working from an office versus home also differ. The office environment typically provides a sense of structure and routine.

Additionally, the social aspect of working in an office – the camaraderie with colleagues, the daily interactions, and the sense of belonging to a community – plays a crucial role in employee well-being. For many, the office is more than just a workplace; it’s a social space that fulfils emotional needs, which is harder to replicate in a home setting.

So the debate of RTO versus WFH is multi-faceted and deeply influenced by cultural, infrastructural, and psychological factors. In India, the office serves as a crucial environment for focus and productivity, shaped by unique living conditions and infrastructural challenges.

While collaboration is valued, it is often integrated into the work model in a manner that does not compromise the need for a dedicated workspace.