As air turns toxic, NCR companies take steps to protect staff

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

air quality index (AQI) breaching hazardous levels in and around the National Capital Region, corporate India is stepping up measures to shield employees from the perils of toxic air.

The AQI crossed 700 (a value above 150 is considered unhealthy) in many parts of the NCR on Thursday, forcing the shutting down of primary schools. Over a dozen companies including Deloitte, KPMG, Panasonic, BigBasket, BluSmart, Zepto and CIEL HR Services that ET spoke with said they are taking initiatives include offering work-from-home options to employees, providing masks at offices and to frontline staff, installing air purifiers and indoor plants as well having a doctor on call.

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Professional services firm Deloitte has issued an advisory on precautions that employees should take as the AQI dips to hazardous levels.“Considering we operate on a hybrid model, our people are well-equipped to WFH when advisories are issued by public authorities against stepping outside for non-essential work,” said Deepti Sagar, chief people and experience officer, Deloitte India.

In case employees at Deloitte still face any adverse symptoms, they are encouraged to take a well-being day off. “This is a leave facility over and above the annual leave entitlement,” said Sagar. In addition, Deloitte is also working with the Haryana government on a crop residue management project to reduce instances of stubble burning, which is often blamed as one of the factors contributing to increased air