Financially troubled edtech major, Byju’s, has begun the process of asking a section of employees to return to office, sources said. The move signals a potential re-evaluation of the company’s work-from-home strategy, which was implemented under former India CEO-Arjun Mohan, who quit in April.
“All teams related to content and academic operations have been asked to report to our office in Bengaluru from May 16 onwards,” a Byju’s employee from the content team said. The content team caters to the three consolidated business including the The Learning App, Online Classes & Tuition Centres and Test-prep.
Another employee stated, “A Google Form is being circulated amongst all employees including sales, product and tech functions, to receive our feedback on when we would be willing to return to office. Many of us have filled the form with dates which are later than May 16, as it’s been a short notice. However, our managers have also informed us that they will be holding a one-on-one discussion with each candidate based on our responses filled on the form”.
Byju’s did not immediately respond to a request for comments on the matter.
The move comes after bulk of the sales staff, who were put on a revenue-linked payout model since last week, claimed they have not been able to sell even a single course or subscription in the first week of the new policy’s introduction. The struggles faced by the sales team, coupled with the company’s decision to lower pricing for its various educational offerings by up to 30%, highlight the financial challenges Byju’s is currently facing. The firm is also grappling with growing attrition, and mass resignations triggered by negative perception around the Byju’s brand, and uncertainty around salary payments.
The company had earlier given up almost all of its office spaces as leases expired, and as part of a larger restructuring plan under former India CEO Arjun Mohan. This restructuring effort was aimed at reducing overhead costs and streamlining operations in response to the financial pressures.
Byju’s headquarters in IBC Knowledge Park in Bannerghatta, Bengaluru remains the only operational office apart from the 300-odd Byju’s tuition centres (BTC).
