Explained: Centre’s new Work-from-Home rules and how it allows for more flexibility

Rule 43 introduced by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry allows employees in the special economic zone to avail of the work-from-home model for a period of one year, which can be extended by the Development Commissioner Work from Home, which become a feature for almost all during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, is here to stay. What the new rules say Rule 43A that enables work from home is valid on employees of IT/ITeS SEZ units, those who are temporarily incapacitated, those travelling and for employees who are working offsite. @DoC_GoI pic.twitter.com/l9tK67c6C9 — Prasar Bharati News Services & Digital Platform July 19, 2022 The notification states that WFH may be extended to maximum 50 per cent of total employees, including contractual employees of the unit. EY-India tax partner Pramod Achuthan told Times of India, “The 50 per cent limit for work from home of total employees with discretionary powers to approve higher limits seems to be the regulator’s way of striking a balance between the IT/ITeS industry’s demand for full flexibility and the demand of the real estate sector for getting employees back to the office.” WFH in India When COVID-19 struck India back in 2020, all companies opted for the work from home model for its employees, as their health and safety was of topmost priority. The study, by Tech Talent Outlook by job site SCIKEY, further revealed that 64 per cent employees said they are more productive working from home and feel less stressed.