Flipkart, one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms owned by Walmart, has officially ended its work-from-home policy. The company now requires all employees to be present in the office five days a week. This marks a major shift in work culture after more than three years of hybrid and remote work triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company employs around 22,000 people and believes the return to office will boost teamwork, foster deeper collaboration, and help align everyone with shared goals. A Flipkart spokesperson confirmed the decision, saying it would strengthen the company’s working environment by bringing people back under one roof.
Flipkart Focuses on Team Collaboration
According to Flipkart, most of its workforce, including contract and gig workers, never worked remotely, especially those in field roles. At its corporate headquarters in Bengaluru, the company had been slowly increasing in-person attendance over the past year. The company observed stronger team bonding, better synergies, and improved collaboration as more people returned to office settings. Flipkart believes the new policy will create a better sense of community, especially for new employees.
Remote Work Ends as Flipkart Ready for IPO
This major policy shift also comes as Flipkart prepares for its much-anticipated initial public offering (IPO), which is expected in the next 12 to 15 months. The company is currently valued at $36 billion and is in the process of shifting its legal base from Singapore to India. This move is part of its strategy to list on Indian stock exchanges. The company is also working on strengthening its leadership team and internal structure ahead of the IPO.
E-Commerce Companies Follow Same Trend
Flipkart’s return-to-office policy is not a standalone move. Other major players in the e-commerce and quick commerce sectors have taken similar steps. Amazon has asked its employees to work full-time from the office and recently moved to a new campus in Devanahalli, Bengaluru. Meesho, Zepto, and Blinkit have also mandated five-day office work schedules. Meanwhile, Swiggy remains one of the few companies still following a hybrid model, allowing employees some flexibility to work from home.
Flipkart’s return-to-office mandate marks a new chapter in the company’s growth journey. As it gears up for a public listing and aims to enhance team productivity, the shift is seen as both strategic and necessary in today’s competitive business environment.
