Heavy rain has disrupted daily life across Mumbai and Pune, making travel difficult for thousands of people. As roads flooded and public transport slowed down, one LinkedIn post urged companies to think about employee safety and allow people to work from home wherever possible.
The post was shared by Aparna Debnath, an Assistant Vice President at Barclays. Along with asking managers to be flexible during the rains, she also appealed to people to show kindness to delivery workers and stray animals facing the harsh weather.
Manager Urges Companies To Be Flexible
Sharing her thoughts on LinkedIn, Debnath wrote, “It’s raining cats and dogs in Mumbai and Pune. Many people are struggling to get to work.” She added, “If you’re a manager or people leader,
let your team work from home unless their physical presence is absolutely essential.”
Debnath also asked people to be patient with delivery workers, who continue working despite the difficult conditions. “Many of us order food/groceries/meds etc. online. Please be patient. Delivery partners are riding bikes through this heavy rain not submarines.”
She also requested residents to allow stray animals to take shelter in buildings, shops, or porches. Pointing out that not everyone experiences the monsoon in the same way, she wrote that not everyone has the privilege to “romanticise the monsoon from the comfort of home.” Ending her message, she added, “Be kind. It’s free.”
Users React To The Message
The post received several responses, with many users agreeing with her message and praising delivery workers for working in difficult weather.
A user wrote, “The delivery fleet surely deserves lots and lots of spotlight and credit. Working through these harsh weather conditions combined with the degrading condition of roads everywhere, they don’t just carry our parcels but a huge risk to personal safety. The condition outside is more dangerous than uncomfortable!”
Another commented, “All great points except stray dogs. India needs to create shelter homes for stray dogs. Dogs need to be on a leash when in public and need an owner.”
Others kept their reactions brief. A person wrote, “absolutely right,” while another commented, “Best message i have came so far.” A few more users added, “wha wonderful points.” and “Very well said and great insights.”
Government Also Advises Remote Work
Debnath’s post comes at a time when the Maharashtra government has also asked employers to reduce unnecessary travel during the heavy rains.
According to reports, the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) advised private companies in Mumbai to allow employees to work from home wherever possible after the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Non-essential government and semi-government offices were also asked to observe a half-day, according to Hindustan Times.
Reports also said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to private companies to allow employees to work from home on humanitarian grounds. He warned that organisations ignoring directions issued under the Disaster Management Act could face legal action. Authorities also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rainfall and waterlogging affected several parts of the state, according to Deccan Herald.
