Zoho started work from office but to soon go partial WFH. Founder Sridhar Vembu explains why office work still matters

Indian tech billionaire Sridhar Vembu recently shared his views on the growing debate around remote work and office culture through a post on social media. While addressing questions about why his company resumed office-based operations, he clarified that the organization is also preparing to gradually reintroduce partial work-from-home arrangements in the near future. At the same time, he emphasized that he remains committed to supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader push for flexible working models.

Replying to a user on X, Vembu explained that many responsibilities inside his company rely heavily on practical collaboration, shared experiences, and continuous interaction among team members. According to him, a significant portion of technical learning happens naturally through observation, discussions, and real-time problem-solving alongside colleagues rather than through structured manuals or formal training systems.

He pointed out that this kind of experiential knowledge is extremely difficult to document in a step-by-step format. To explain his perspective, he compared the process to learning how to balance and ride a bicycle, suggesting that certain skills are better absorbed through direct experience instead of written instructions.


Vembu further highlighted the importance of in-person communication within research and development teams. He described how spontaneous brainstorming sessions with engineers, including moments spent examining software code together, often spark innovative ideas that later evolve into patented technologies. These creative breakthroughs, he suggested, are more likely to emerge when people work closely in the same physical environment.

At the same time, he acknowledged that some assignments can be handled effectively from remote locations. Tasks that are clearly defined, standardized, and broken into precise instructions can easily be managed outside the office. He also noted that advances in artificial intelligence are increasingly capable of handling work that follows rigid and well-documented processes.

The entrepreneur added that he strongly believes in compact, highly focused engineering teams that collaborate side by side to encourage faster innovation and deeper engagement. According to estimates published by Forbes, Vembu’s personal fortune stands at nearly six billion dollars, underlining his considerable influence in the international technology industry.