Ola warns workers against misuse of work from home

Ola Electric, the electric two-wheeler unit of Ola that provides cab services through the app, has been facing difficulties for the last few months. Ola has started efforts to improve its functioning. The company has warned of strict action against workers with low attendance.

“It is shocking to see low attendance from so many people in our attendance data,” Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola, said in an email to workers. He has told that from next week the company will implement strict standards regarding attendance. Aggarwal said that many workers are taking advantage of the work-from-home policy (WFH). Aggarwal says that work-from-home should be used only when there is genuine need. He said that such behavior of some people affects the efforts of disciplined and hardworking colleagues.

Warning workers who misuse the WFH policy, Aggarwal said, “HR will talk to workers who are still misusing their freedom.” Ola Electric’s sales declined by approximately 33 percent in November. According to the data of vehicle portal, the registrations of the company’s electric scooters last month were 27,746 units. This is a decline of about 33 percent on a month-on-month basis in the company’s sales. Earlier this month, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had asked it to provide additional documents regarding the notice given to Ola Electric on alleged violation of consumer rights and unfair business practices.

Sales of electric two-wheelers have increased rapidly in the last few years. Ola Electric has the highest share in this segment. In early October, CCPA had issued a show cause notice to the company over alleged violation of consumer rights, misleading advertisements and unfair business practices. Ola Electric plans to increase its network of stores four times. The company has about 800 stores. Their number will be increased to about 4,000 this month. Service facility is also provided at the company’s stores. Recently the company also expanded its portfolio of electric scooters.