Diwali celebrations among other factors like stubble burning have pushed the air quality index (AQI) into the "very poor and poor" range in the National Capital region and Mumbai in the last few days. Companies like Deloitte, Acer, DS Group, Colgate-Palmolive India and Vantage Circle, are taking rearguard action with green measures including installing improved air purification systems and indoor plants at workplaces; encouraging work from home; and pushing employees to use green transport for commuting.
Some firms are also nudging employees to take shared rides and green transport solutions like electric vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint, according to ride-sharing firms and cab service providers like BluSmart and WTI Cabs.
Some companies like professional services firm Deloitte and Vantage Circle (employment engagement platform) are following hybrid working policies. This allows employees to work remotely when needed including in extreme weather conditions and poor air quality.
"During this time when the air quality deteriorates, we prioritise the safety of our employees by implementing workplace flexibility, allowing them to work remotely, if necessary," said Pallav Popli, chief revenue officer and employee engagement evangelist at Vantage Circle.
The AQI deteriorates, especially in north India, in October-November due to stubble burning and firecrackers around Diwali. Even cities like Mumbai and Chennai are facing smog due to Diwali celebrations this year. As a result, companies are taking measures to safeguard the health of their employees.
"Acer India is deeply committed to addressing environmental challenges, including the severe air pollution affecting Delhi NCR and Mumbai," said Sooraj Balakrishnan, associate director and head of marketing, Acer India. One of Acer's key initiatives in this direction is installing air purifiers in all the offices and meeting rooms and gifting air purifiers to employees, said Balakrishnan. Recently, the personal computer manufacturer also launched community-driven tree-planting initiatives as part of the Earthion mission.
FMCG conglomerate DS Group is conducting regular AC duct cleaning using robotic technology. The company has also installed external standalone air purifiers in specific areas.
"We monitor air quality twice daily and send samples to an NABL-accredited laboratory for regular evaluation," said Ramesh Kumar, AVP, facility management, DS Group.
Some firms are also nudging employees to take shared rides and green transport solutions like electric vehicles to reduce the carbon footprint, according to ride-sharing firms and cab service providers like BluSmart and WTI Cabs.
Some companies like professional services firm Deloitte and Vantage Circle (employment engagement platform) are following hybrid working policies. This allows employees to work remotely when needed including in extreme weather conditions and poor air quality.
"During this time when the air quality deteriorates, we prioritise the safety of our employees by implementing workplace flexibility, allowing them to work remotely, if necessary," said Pallav Popli, chief revenue officer and employee engagement evangelist at Vantage Circle.
The AQI deteriorates, especially in north India, in October-November due to stubble burning and firecrackers around Diwali. Even cities like Mumbai and Chennai are facing smog due to Diwali celebrations this year. As a result, companies are taking measures to safeguard the health of their employees.
"Acer India is deeply committed to addressing environmental challenges, including the severe air pollution affecting Delhi NCR and Mumbai," said Sooraj Balakrishnan, associate director and head of marketing, Acer India. One of Acer's key initiatives in this direction is installing air purifiers in all the offices and meeting rooms and gifting air purifiers to employees, said Balakrishnan. Recently, the personal computer manufacturer also launched community-driven tree-planting initiatives as part of the Earthion mission.
FMCG conglomerate DS Group is conducting regular AC duct cleaning using robotic technology. The company has also installed external standalone air purifiers in specific areas.
"We monitor air quality twice daily and send samples to an NABL-accredited laboratory for regular evaluation," said Ramesh Kumar, AVP, facility management, DS Group.
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