Free metro cards to shuttle services: How firms will tackle odd-even

Human resource managers of various companies have decided to pitch in and bail out employees during the implementation of the odd-even scheme.

Corporations, including Dabur, MTS, Spice Mobility, Woodland, PwC India, Paytm, SRL Diagnostics and Zopper.com, are devising ways to mitigate the impact of the government’s plan on their day to day operations. The tricks include distribution of free metro cards, flexible working hours, work from home options, car pooling and shuttle services.

Human resource managers of various companies have decided to pitch in and bail out employees during the implementation of the odd-even scheme (PTI)

“We are putting together a list of all employees who own cars and two-wheelers, along with their vehicle registration numbers, addresses and contact numbers. This list would be circulated among employees and displayed on intranet to help employees form their own carpool groups according to odd and even days,” said V Krishnan, executive director, HR, Dabur India.

PwC India is planning to allow more of its employees to avail flexi-work option, which also includes work from home facility. Canadian outdoor gear brand Woodland is offering free metro cards to employees to ensure that they commute smoothly. “We did internal workshops to educate staff on the problem and to change their mindsets. We have also encouraged them to car pool with co-workers and neighbours and will provide them shuttles from office to the closest metro stations,” said Harkirat Singh, managing director, Woodland. Telecom service provider, MTS India, has also approached shuttle bus service providers to offer customized commuting solutions to its employees.

Gaurav Patra, director at Delhi based tech startup Smartube Entertainment said, “We have engaged with cab services who would act as shuttles from the metro stations. In cases where employees are really hassled, we have offered work from home as well for the days when they can’t travel in their own vehicles.”