'Office attendance doesn't boost efficiency'

As different cities around the country begin opening up, several executives have been feeling happy about smoother traffic management and an easier commute to work. Not Ravi Saxena. The Wonderchef MD has his office and residence both in Mumbai’s Powai neighbourhood. “So, basically, I roll down from my bungalow to the office,” he says with a laugh.The Wonderchef offices reopened in July. Saxena says he missed the workplace and his team in the months prior to that, which made him eager to return to work. “There was more excitement than fear. I was positive and kept apprehensions aside. It looked like I came back to a canvas to finish an incomplete painting. Though we have less than 10 per cent attendance on a rotational basis, I come in every day, as it gives me a chance to meet all team members. Also, I find it to be a more focused and an effective way of working,” Saxena says.Employees too are happy to be back. “We’re realising that many functions can work efficiently from home. So coming to office is only on a ‘need to’ basis. This might well become the norm in the future,” he adds.Safety firstAt the office, they’ve assigned a special team to ensure safety standards. There is also regular disinfection of the premises. There are temperature checks, use of sanitisers and masks, and all meetings take place in open spaces. “We’ve encouraged carpooling, so more people can come to the office safely. We’re lucky to have a large terrace at our office, which is just besides a hill. All meetings take place here to ensure social distancing and also to enjoy the feel of nature during the monsoon,” he says.Learning curveFor other corporates looking to open up, Saxena’s advice is to keep negativity out and work with whatever resources are available. “This is a learning curve and no format is correct or foolproof, so don’t be rigid. Try to understand your team’s capabilities and motivate them to work, either from home or from office, as mere office attendance won’t improve efficiency,” Saxena adds.76397654

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