How India’s RTO Movement is Changing the Landscape  

India’s iconic tech hubs—Pune, Chennai, Bangalore—are home to sprawling campuses that buzzed with activity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, those campuses went eerily quiet as millions of employees switched overnight to remote work. Remarkably, teams not only adapted but thrived, proving that the tech services engine could keep running without office walls.  Teams proved that collaborating online was both possible and cost effective. 

Fast forward to today and the script is flipping once again. Companies that championed remote work as the future are now calling for a return to the office (RTO). The rationale? Improved productivity, better collaboration, and enhanced company culture. But for employees, these claims often don’t align with their actual lived experiences. So, what’s really driving the push back to the office? And how should workers—many of whom have settled into remote routines — react to these mandates?  

A Remote Revolution  

Before the pandemic, remote work in India’s tech industry was the exception, not the rule. By the end of 2020, however, nearly 90% of the IT workforce in India transitioned to remote work.This shift allowed companies to operate seamlessly during the global shutdown. It also revealed something unexpected: general IT workforce productivity didn’t decline and in many cases, it actually improved.  

A recent survey shows that over 65% of software developers in India worked remotely by 2023, a significant increase fueled by the pandemic. Across industries, nearly 82% of Indian employees said they preferred working from home, citing improved productivity and mental well-being as key benefits. However, with major companies enforcing return-to-office (RTO) policies, this work-life balance is under threat​. 

IT Services Firms Lead the RTO Charge  

IT services giants—TCS, Wipro, Infosys, and Accenture—are leading the pack in the India RTO movement. TCS has already reintroduced its pre-pandemic five-day office policy, while Capgemini is opting for a hybrid approach, requiring employees in-office two days a week. 2025 seems to be shaping up as a pivotal year when most firms plan to fully implement their RTO policies.  

The impact of these mandates goes beyond logistics; even two or three days in the office can significantly disrupt routines. Long commutes through India’s congested cities, family responsibilities, and the cost of living adjustments for those who relocated during the pandemic are real challenges.  

For parents, especially those with school-aged children, the return to office comes with additional layers of complexity. And for many, the thought of spending hours in traffic only to log into virtual meetings with colleagues halfway across the globe is a bitter pill to swallow.  

How Are Tech Employees Reacting?  

Unsurprisingly, many tech professionals are pushing back. After enjoying the flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance that remote work provided, the idea of returning to rigid office schedules feels regressive.. For many, it’s not just about convenience—it’s about trust. They question why their productivity and collaboration are suddenly being doubted after years of exceeding expectations from home.  It feels like they’re getting a pay cut - punished - with the costs of commuting, packing or buying lunches out and every other cost associated with in-office work.

The inconsistency of policies also doesn’t help. If cross-functional teams are spread across continents, what’s the value of gathering in one physical office? Does an in-person brainstorming session once a month justify a daily commute? Most workers would strongly argue no.  

What Can Employees Do?  

Not everyone is ready—or willing—to go back to the office full-time. Here are some strategies to consider:  

Negotiate a Flexible Arrangement:  Open communication with employers is key. Highlight your performance during remote work and suggest a hybrid model that works for both sides.  Understand what is and isn’t negotiable.  

Propose Collaboration Hubs:  If the goal is better teamwork, why not meet the objective in creative ways? Propose monthly team meetups or hold brainstorming sessions on designated collaboration days.  Focus on delivering the value management wants from RTO policies.

Explore Other Opportunities:  If the RTO mandate feels non-negotiable and out of sync with your needs, it might be time to update your resume and explore companies offering more flexibility. With India’s growing tech market, there’s no shortage of remote or hybrid-friendly employers.  

A Broader Question for India’s Tech Landscape  

India’s tech industry stands at a crossroads. The pandemic proved that work doesn’t need to happen in a traditional office to be successful. Nevertheless, the RTO movement raises questions about the evolving relationship between employees and employers. Does collaboration really mean physical proximity, or is this a push to reclaim a sense of control or a ploy to get employees to leave without formal layoffs?  

As policies solidify and 2025 approaches, one thing is certain: the debate isn’t just about desks and chairs. It’s about the future of work, trust in employees, and the changing expectations of a workforce that’s proven it can adapt to almost anything. The real challenge will be finding solutions that deliver the results India’s tech firms demand and meet the needs of their valuable  employees.