Puravankara Ltd MD switches his WFH set-up often to think creatively, improve productivity

Ever since the introduction of Work from Home during the lockdown, there has been no ‘check-out’ time from work for Ashish Puravankara, MD of Puravankara Limited.

He told ET Panache, "I realised over time that it is important to stick to the work routine as far as possible, to avoid getting stuck in a never-ending loop. For me this means, waking up early, getting dressed and getting my first cup of coffee. This helps me get into the work mode and I find myself in the same way while I was at the office. I make sure I eat at the same time as I would at the office and take breaks as I would. I try to consciously switch off from the work mode so that there is enough time to reset before the next day."

There are several distractions while working at home, no doubt, especially because the whole family is at home. Puravankara tries to remain flexible about where his workspace is, so he can accommodate everything else without disturbing the day to day activities that takes place at home, especially for the children.


Work space
"For most of the things, however, I have created designated workspaces around the house and a set routine for myself. The beautiful weather of Bangalore has encouraged me to be seated in the open, as far as possible. I enjoy taking calls, and video conferences’ from my balcony. It is nothing like what we would do in the office and I have taken the opportunity of 'Work from Home' to enjoy this serendipity. The fresh air and greenery add a layer of niceness to the day," he said.

Puravankara has not brought back anything from the office aside from his laptop and iPad.

"Most of the things that I require to work are present on these devices and they allow me to remain mobile and agile especially in terms of where I would like to work from; thereby allowing me to shift from one space to another, which is a refreshing change from being on the same chair. But don’t get me wrong I love being in office and miss it, I do like the energy that is viable when all are physically present under the same roof," he said.


Loving life
One thing Puravankara likes about 'Work from Home' is that he is able to switch his working space, from the desk to the dining table from indoors to outdoors.

"New spaces help me think creatively and also my productivity is better. So I have not spent too much time on a specific desk per se, as I wanted to take advantage of being able to sit in the open and put my thinking cap on. Balconies, or by the lawns amidst greenery has become my favourite spot," he shared.

Puravankara hasn’t purchased any new gadgets or accessories, he just ensured that the internet connectivity was seamless by having a dongle handy in times of network issues.

"Today with the number of apps available on the web, it gives multiple options to create a better work from home set up with our existing work systems. I have installed a couple of these apps that suit my WFH flow. At this point, I have my iPad and Tablet and I am not looking at buying any new device for my set up," he said.

Gadget gyaan
Puravankara says he is a person who loves his gadgets and gizmos, so he keep adding to his arsenal to stay updated.

"I believe that, when technology is enhancing our life and productivity, that is an investment more than a purchase, per se. I seek gadgets that suit my requirements and invest in that," he explained.

Be it working from the office or work from home, it is always important to maintain the work-life balance.

"Even before the pandemic, I always ensured I spend quality time with my family, especially with my kids. During work hours, I do not impose any restriction for my family, around where I work. But, if I have any important calls I will let them know and ask them to wait until I am done; though it does not always work with the children. They sometimes, sit in on few calls with me and I help them with their school work when they need. We all are adjusting to the new normal and have found ways to get all our work done while we work from home," he ended.