Delhi Government Advises Private Companies to Embrace Work‑From‑Home Amid Rising COVID‑19 Cases

In a move that reflects the city’s ongoing caution over the latest COVID‑19 uptick, the Delhi government issued an advisory on Thursday urging private sector employers to let their staff work from home whenever it makes sense.

According to the circular, firms should consider remote arrangements for up to five days a week, provided the nature of the job allows it. The message is clear: protect health first, even if it means tweaking business routines.

"We understand that many businesses have already embraced hybrid models," the advisory read, "but given the current spike, we ask employers to err on the side of caution and prioritize employee well‑being."

For roles that genuinely require a physical presence—think manufacturing lines, labs, or customer‑facing outlets—the government suggested a handful of safeguards: staggered shifts, regular sanitisation, mandatory masks, and daily temperature checks.

It also nudged companies to support staff who might be struggling mentally with prolonged isolation. Providing counseling services, virtual check‑ins, or even a simple “how are you?” call was highlighted as a good practice.

Industry bodies have welcomed the guidance, noting that many firms are already equipped with the digital tools needed for remote work. Still, some smaller enterprises voiced concerns about the cost of outfitting employees with laptops and secure VPNs.

Meanwhile, the Delhi health department continues to monitor the situation closely. If the numbers stabilize, the advisory says it will be reviewed and possibly lifted.

Until then, the message from the capital remains consistent: stay safe, stay flexible, and keep the lines of communication open.