Why Do People Do something? (3 of 3)

#SunilFridayThought #Friday Thought 83

This is the final and concluding one in the three articles. Here you can read the first part and the second part

In the first part we saw that even when there is no reason to do anything from Financial perspective, people will still end up doing something rather than 'nothing'. And that 'something' is more likely than not, would involve people and is likely to be in open space outside home. In the second part we saw that convinience and efficiency are not necessarily the drivers to engage in social activity. There may be social and psychological factors too.

Let's see if this whole #WFH is much ado about nothing!

There are various industry reports available about workers in various sectors in India. Most reports suggest that at least 42% of all employeed people are working in the agri-sector. Some reports point to a higher number, but I am assuming the lowest one. (Read on and you will realize that a higher number than 42% favours my argument) Obviously for these #WFH is not possible and does not make sense. About 4% (by some estimates 6 to 8% but I am assuming a lower number) work in construction, a percent or so in mining, about 14% in manufacturing - for all of whom #WFM is irrelevant. So far, this for about 60% of the workforce, #WFH has no meaning! To this number add people working in transport (truck drivers etc), people working in healthcare (doctors, nurses etc), people working in essential government services etc and the number baloons to about 71%. If you add services such as technicians (plumbers, electricians), people working in small retail outlets etc. the number could be even higher. Various estimates point to 73% to 78%. Let's pick a lower number and just say that for 73% of the working people, this whole #WFH discussion is useless and meaningless.

Out of the balance 27% of the workforce, various companies have different measures to initiate #WFH practices. It is estimated that, at the most about one fourth of these (i.e. about 7%) will #WFH with no need to ever come to office. (this is an average number). Rest of the folks will come to office at least few times a week. (They may come more often due to psychological or social factors, which are not factored in this calculation. It just assumes that if people are given choice they would always work frome home - not a truth as we saw previously. Most people seem to prefer 50-50 model).

So this huge #WFH discussion is just about a minority. And this is assuming all the aggressive and eye-catching announcements materialialize. This minority may be vocal on LinkedIn or may be more articulate and financially well-off. For the large majority, there are bigger and more important infrastructural challenges.

What's your take on this? Do share your views.

Sunil Bhave has written over 90 interesting articles, many of them before starting Friday Thought series. Read Sunil's previous articles. Sunil is an international certified executive coach and certified transformational leadership coach with vast industry experience, Business and Strategy Consultant, Management Development Professional with specialization on creativity, innovation and transformations. He regularly conducts workshops and speaks at many forums.

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