COVID-19: Psychological Challenge as Grave as Economic Impact in Maharashtra’s IT Sector

Mumbai: In times like these, Dr. Vrushali Raut is busy on calls through the day. Raut is an organisational psychologist from Pune and has been getting a lot of queries from clients, mainly employees from organised sectors, such as information technology and the services sector.

“The stress they are currently facing due to work and fear of the coronavirus is unimaginable. They do not want to go to office but their companies are not allowing them to do so. On the other side, news of an increasing number of affected persons in Pune is disturbing them. While speaking to them, one feels a tangible sense of stress,” said Dr Raut. Her experience shows the apathy of corporate sector at large and how employees are getting exposed to physical and emotional strain.

Among the Indian states, Maharashtra has the highest number of coronavirus affected people. Pune and the adjoining city of Pimpri are witness to the highest number of affected patients. All these patients have returned to India from abroad and there is no evidence of a single case of community transmission, but the fear is real.

The state administration is taking a number of measures, including restrictions on travel in public transport to a complete shutdown of public places, such as malls and theatres. But, the numbers are still increasing and this is why the sense of fear among the working class of state is increasing.

Pavanjeet Mane is chief of Maharashtra's IT employees’ union. He is in constant touch with his colleagues. Their feedback about the current situation in the industry is not positive. "Corporates have become insensitive to the gravity of the situation. The government may be saying that there is complete closure of private companies but that is not true. There are many companies working with 50% of their workforce. This should be stopped immediately, and companies should be asked to follow the government’s orders strictly,” said Mane.

He added that the fear of future job loss among employees is also a reason for them going in to work. “If the current situation in the US or Europe prevails for another two weeks, there will certainly be loss of business for Indian companies. In that case, firing of employees will begin. To keep their jobs intact, employees are risking it and coming to work," said Mane.

Gaurav Shinde (name changed) works at a renowned IT company in Pune. His company did not allow him to work from home till Thursday, March 19. Gaurav kept following up with the human resource department but never got a reply. “When the district collector strictly finally made it mandatory, the company announced for work from home for seven days; the first time they woke up to this. This was stressful till then because my parents, who stay in Marathwada, were very worried,” he added.

Renuka Deodhar has been working in the IT sector for two years. She has been witness to the volatile nature of her industry from the first day. When she heard of the DC’s order, she felt relaxed. “Our office is connected with the European market. We keep reading about the situation there. Italy, Spain and France are facing a worse crisis. In this backdrop, sitting in office for work was literally torture,” said Renuka.

These cases are alarming, as per Dr Raut. She sees this growing anxiety as dangerous, that it could affect mental health. “There are reports of job losses across the world. They are already working with being worried about their job security and then the employer refuses to worry about their physical health. This is hurting people," observes Dr Raut.

There are some projects in these sectors where work from home is not possible. These projects need some basic infrastructure to work as team. So, many companies are still calling in their employees for such critical projects. “This is understandable. I am working on a project for a Canadian client. There is a serious spread of coronavirus, but we will have to come in for work. So, we are taking utmost care while in office," said Shardul Jagtap, an employee from Hinjawadi, Pune. Companies who are sensitive to matters exist, but such projects are few in comparison.

The challenge that COVID-19 poses is real, and could cost more. However, what is important is to prevent the spread of the virus as well and keep oneself unaffected.

"The strict adherence to preventive measures is ultimately for our own safety. So, all the people, be it individuals or companies, will have to think of long-term benefits and look away from short-term gains," said Pavanjeet Mane.