12 hrs a day is the new normal for me: Anant Maheshwari

Anant Maheshwari, President of Microsoft India, the new normal has given rise to the rapid adoption of emerging and new technologies, with technology becoming pervasive across industries and markets.

"I don't think that is one common perspective of what the 'new normal' is... The new normal for me is to be on back to back team calls for at least 12 hours a day," he explains.

In his latest conversation with a news source, Anant discusses the role technology will play in navigating the 'new normal' brought on by COVID-19.

He adds that the 'new normal' for corporates also differs from industry to industry.

"For example, IT services companies will definitely have a 'new normal' of a hybrid workplace. I don't think it's going to be a fully work-from-office or fully work-from-home, which are two ends of a spectrum," says Anant. Eventually, companies may also start to think if a certain role even needs to be in the office. And as soon as that happens, new roles for the future will arise.

Anant says, "This will allow a lot of women to come into the workforce because companies will be creating conditions that are conducive to bring more women into the workforce. Secondly, you're taking jobs a lot more into Tier-II, III, and IV cities."

When it comes to manufacturing and banking, the Microsoft India President believes that as these sectors have had a lower amount of tech and digital intervention, this 'new normal' due to COVID-19 will drive them to rapidly adopt digital tools.