E-commerce giant Flipkart, backed by Walmart and reportedly gearing up for its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO), has made a significant shift in its workplace policy.
The company has officially discontinued its work-from-home arrangement, mandating a full five-day in-office attendance for all employees across functions and roles. This move, which reverses the flexibility adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, has sparked discussions about its potential link to Flipkart’s IPO preparations and its broader strategy.
Flipkart’s decision, announced on April 17, 2025, marks the end of a flexible work era for its employees. The company communicated that this transition will be implemented in a phased manner over the coming months, with limited exceptions based on specific job requirements. While a complete return to pre-pandemic work norms, Flipkart has indicated that employees will still be allowed a restricted number of work-from-home days annually, depending on the nature of their work.
A Flipkart spokesperson emphasized the rationale behind this policy change, stating, “By returning to office, we aim to foster a strong sense of community for new hires and existing employees; and a shared focus on our common goals.” The company also highlighted the increased synergies and deeper collaboration observed over the past year as employees gradually returned to the office.
Flipkart’s move to end its work-from-home policy comes at a crucial juncture, with the company widely expected to launch its IPO within the next 12 to 15 months. While Flipkart has not explicitly linked the policy change to its IPO preparations, such mandates are often seen as a way to streamline operations, enhance team cohesion, and potentially present a more unified and traditional work environment to prospective investors. A cohesive in-office workforce might be perceived as contributing to better productivity and a stronger organizational culture as the company navigates the complexities of going public.
Flipkart has been actively preparing for its IPO, including securing internal approvals to shift its domicile from Singapore to India – a key step for listing on Indian stock exchanges. Strengthening its board and operational efficiency are also likely priorities as it aims for what could be one of the largest IPOs by a new-age Indian company.
Flipkart’s decision aligns with a broader trend among major e-commerce and tech companies in India. Competitors like Amazon, Meesho, Blinkit, and Zepto have already implemented full in-office mandates. Amazon, for instance, mandated a five-day office return for its Bengaluru workforce starting in January 2025. Meesho had already brought its employees back full-time over a year ago, while quick-commerce firms like Blinkit and Zepto have also adopted in-office models. Swiggy remains a notable exception, maintaining a hybrid work model for most employees.
This industry-wide shift suggests a growing belief in the benefits of in-person collaboration and a potential move away from the widespread remote work adopted during the pandemic. For companies like Flipkart, preparing for an IPO, a unified workforce might be seen as a crucial element in projecting stability and operational strength.
Summary:
- Flipkart has discontinued its work-from-home policy, requiring all employees to return to the office five days a week.
- The company cited fostering community and shared goals as the primary reasons for this shift.
- This move comes as Flipkart is widely anticipated to launch its IPO in the near future, leading to speculation about a potential connection.
- Flipkart’s decision aligns with a broader trend among major e-commerce and tech companies in India mandating a return to office.