Recent research from Stanford University economics professor Nicholas Bloom suggests that working from home may be driving America's productivity boom over the past five years. According to Bloom's analysis, US nonfarm business-sector labor productivity jumped 5.3% in 2020, rose 2% in 2021, fell 1.5% in 2022, then rebounded with gains of 1.8% in 2023, 3% in 2024, and 2.2% in 2025. Bloom argues that remote work helps employees focus better while avoiding long commutes and office distractions. The research contradicts claims from some executives who believe in-person work is necessary for collaboration and performance, with Bloom noting that WFH is correlated with higher productivity growth.
The Delhi government has announced 'Metro Mondays' for ministers and officials as part of its comprehensive fuel conservation campaign, as reported by DilliSay. Additionally, planning a weekly 'No Vehicle Day' is being considered to further reduce daily travel and fuel consumption. These initiatives build upon the existing 2-day Work From Home (WFH) policy that is being implemented across the capital. According to DilliSay, if implemented effectively, these measures can help reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and fuel dependency in the capital. The move comes after PM Narendra Modi's call to focus on fuel saving amid global uncertainty and rising fuel consumption amid the West Asia crisis.
Uttar Pradesh has announced a comprehensive work-from-home policy for large institutions and industrial units, as reported by NDTV. According to the state government's labour department meeting on Sunday, the policy will be implemented across key industrial areas including Noida, Ghaziabad, and Lucknow. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the 90-day 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' fuel-saving campaign earlier this week, urging private companies to adopt similar measures. The initiative aims to minimize daily fuel consumption and reduce traffic congestion in these major business hubs, with the policy part of the comprehensive campaign to promote public transport and conserve fuel.
The policy emphasizes operating different shifts to optimize work schedules and reduce peak-hour traffic. As per the Delhi labour department advisory, all employers of industrial establishments, factories, shops and commercial establishments in Delhi, including IT, IT Enabled Services (ITES), are strongly encouraged to implement a minimum of two days of work-from-home per week. State government agencies are required to conduct half of their internal meetings remotely, with the State Secretariat and Directorates specifically mandated to hold virtual workshops and seminars. This approach builds on the digital infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, leveraging established virtual meeting capabilities.
The state governments are aggressively promoting carpooling, public transportation, and electric vehicles as part of the comprehensive campaign. According to the Delhi advisory, the initiative includes encouraging employees to use public transport, car-pooling, or non-motorised modes of commute to reduce daily vehicular fuel consumption. The Delhi government specifically advises employers to minimize use of official vehicles for non-essential travel and ensure adequate IT infrastructure support to enable seamless WFH operations. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent appeal to conserve fuel amid rising global energy concerns and the current response to rising fuel consumption amid the West Asia crisis.
Essential services including hospitals, health establishments, electricity, water, sanitation and related municipal services are exempt from the work-from-home advisory. The Delhi labour department advisory issued Sunday stated that in the background of the prevailing global situation, it is imperative to conserve fuel -- petrol, diesel and CNG -- and ensure its optimal use. The private sector has been advised to take a pledge to reduce consumption of petrol, diesel and CNG through conscious commuting choices and purchase Indian-made products to strengthen the domestic economy. Employers are requested to sensitize their workforce about the national importance of fuel conservation and actively motivate employees to adopt fuel-saving commuting practices.
