CACTUS, the science communication and impact solutions company, has announced the extension of the work-from-home (WFH) model until March 2021. It has left the final decision of returning to work to its employees, and no one will be asked to report to work.
In keeping with its ethos of being an employee-centric organisation, the Company, which is a major player in the medical research segment, has also initiated several measures to make WFH even more comfortable for its employees. It has offered a one-time allowance to handle all WFH-related expenses, to set up a comfortable office at home.
In addition, CACTUS will provide monthly internet reimbursement to employees. It has given employees the option to move to their hometowns or relocate to any convenient location of their choice.
Speaking to HRKatha, Yashmi Pujara, chief human resources officer, CACTUS, says, “During this pandemic, our employee engagement strategy at CACTUS revolves around safety, choice, and comfort. We will open our offices only when it is absolutely safe for people to return to work. Even after we open, people can choose to work from home and will continue to receive the organisation’s support.”
The Company has recruited around 40 people in the last four months.
When asked about the change in WFH policy, Pujara states, “The rapid spread of Covid-19 compelled us to move our entire workforce to a remote setup at very short notice. While serving our customers is a primary requirement, it is important that people feel safe. In the last few months, we have adapted many of our practices around recruitment, onboarding, internal communication, performance management and recognition, to suit the new context.”
Yashmi Pujara
“We will open our offices only when it is absolutely safe for people to return to work. Even after we open, people can choose to work from home and will continue to receive the organisation’s support”
This new policy is applicable to the 800 employees in India, and is available to people regardless of their role or tenure with the organisation.
Considering several factors, including the COVID-19 trend, state of local transport, and social-distancing norms, the Company is still to decide when it would be safe to open the offices.
“Based on our current outlook, October is the earliest we will be able to open our India offices. We will start small and ramp up very slowly through the year. People in highly collaborative roles will be given the option to work from the office for one or two days a week,” adds the CHRO.
This means, employees who are way of attending office can continue to work from within the safe confines of their home, if they so wish. Also, if they wish to relocate, they can plan ahead for the same for the remaining part of the year.
From being an athlete to an avid writer, she has found a happy space in discovering new places and exploring new cuisines. An English graduate from Delhi University, she is a hungry rover, who has a passion for food and travel, and likes to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
