Harsh Goenka promotes WFH, cuts air travel for RPG employees after PM Modi’s austerity call

After Prime Miner Narendra Modi urged citizens and companies to reduce fuel consumption amid growing pressure on global supply chains, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka shared an internal advisory asking employees to adopt austerity and sustainability measures.Harsh Goenka shared RPG Group’s austerity steps, including WFH, reduced air travel, EVs and sustainable commuting. (X/@hvgoenka)(Also read: ‘Kabhi socha nahin, but…’: Anupam Mittal announces 1-day WFH for 500 employees after PM Modi’s fuel-saving appeal)Taking to X on Thursday, Goenka posted a letter issued to employees across the RPG Group. The note, signed him, called on teams to support the national agenda through responsible resource utilisation and reduced dependence on fuel intensive practices.The letter began stating: “As you are aware, the Hon. Prime Miner has called for a renewed national focus on austerity and responsible resource utilisation.”It further added: “As a Group, it is important that we demonstrate leadership embracing these measures wholeheartedly and setting the right example for our teams.”Work from home and reduced travel encouragedIn the advisory, Goenka laid out several directives for employees and management teams across the organisation. One of the key measures involved encouraging employees to work remotely wherever possible.The letter stated: “All employees who can work from home should be actively encouraged to do so, in line with our Group’s Remote Working Policy.”The advisory also called for strict optimisation of travel. It said foreign travel should be “curtailed to the absolute minimum”, while domestic air travel should be “significantly reduced”.The company also urged employees to avoid intercity conferences and meetings unless absolutely necessary.Apart from limiting travel, the RPG Group encouraged a shift towards sustainable transportation. Goenka said all future company owned or site leased cars should preferably be electric or hybrid vehicles.The letter also stressed the need to maximise virtual collaboration. “Internal reviews, interviews, and routine meetings should be conducted virtually to the greatest possible extent,” it read.(Also read: Employee rejects WFH job over ‘webcam monitoring, 10-min screenshot’ policies)Employees were additionally encouraged to use public transport, carpool, or travel through rail and metro systems whenever viable.Goenka says corporates should follow the moveSharing the letter publicly on X, Goenka wrote: “We in RPG have responded to our PM’s call with austerity and responsible resource allocations. I hope other corporates will follow suit.”Check out the post here:PM Modi’s fuel saving callThe move came after PM Modi urged citizens to adopt austerity measures amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and mounting pressure on global supply chains.(Also read: ‘India loses hours daily in traffic’: Techie backs PM Modi’s work from home push)The Prime Miner also encouraged people to use public transport, opt for carpooling whenever possible, and embrace work from home arrangements in roles where it is feasible.