Food supply jitters could trigger WFH, impact hostel occupancy, warns IT corridor hostel association

Hyderabad's IT Corridor Hostels Association warns food supply issues may prompt firms to shift to remote work, impacting hostel occupancy.

Amid growing concerns over food availability in Hyderabad’s IT corridor, the IT Corridor Hostels Association has appealed to hostel operators not to shut down their kitchens, warning that such a move could push companies to consider work-from-home (WFH) options for employees.

In a communication issued to its members, the association said it had received information that some IT firms are weighing remote work owing to uncertainties around food supply. It cautioned that any disruption in hostel food services could directly impact occupancy and operations, as many employees depend on these facilities for daily meals.

The association has advised hostel operators to continue serving food, even if in a limited capacity, and to cut down on high gas-consuming items. It also suggested exploring alternative cooking methods wherever possible to manage the situation without completely halting kitchen services.

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Some hostel owners and operators in Gachibowli told The Hindu that they fear occupancy could drop further if food services are disrupted or if they are forced to increase rents due to the added costs of alternative cooking methods.

“From the past year or so, occupancy in hostels and PGs is already around 70-80%. With new buildings coming up frequently, occupancy is rarely at full capacity and everyone is worried about losing customers. We are trying to somehow continue serving food even if it comes at a cost and inconvenience,” an operator said.