A New Kind of Data Request

Work from home blurred the boundary between professional and personal life long ago. Now, a recent request from Infosys has made that boundary feel even thinner. Employees working remotely have been asked to share household electricity data, a move that many did not expect when they set up their home offices.

For some, the request appears practical. Companies do want to understand the real cost of remote work, especially when they provide allowances or reimbursements. For others, however, it feels intrusive. Electricity bills reveal more than power consumption. They hint at daily routines, family size, and lifestyle patterns, making the request feel uncomfortably personal.

Why Power Usage Matters to Companies

From a corporate perspective, the reasoning seems straightforward. Offices have expenses that are easy to track. Homes do not. As hybrid and remote models become permanent, companies are trying to measure costs that were once invisible. Electricity usage could help justify allowances, design fair compensation, or assess the sustainability impact of remote work.

Yet, employees question whether such data is necessary at an individual level. Many wonder why averages or estimates would not suffice. The concern is not just about sharing numbers, but about setting a precedent where private resources are routinely audited.

Employee Reactions and Silent Anxiety

Reactions among employees appear mixed. Some see it as a minor administrative step. Others feel uneasy but hesitant to speak up, worried about being seen as uncooperative. In a competitive job market, even small requests can carry emotional weight.

There is also confusion. Is the data mandatory or optional. How will it be stored. Who will access it. Without clear answers, uncertainty grows, and trust quietly erodes.

The Bigger Question of Boundaries

This episode highlights a larger issue facing modern workplaces. When work happens at home, where does the employer’s role end. Policies that were never designed for living rooms now shape daily life.

For companies like Infosys, the challenge is not just about collecting data, but about communicating intent with sensitivity. Transparency, consent, and clear limits may matter more than the data itself.

As remote work evolves, so will these debates. The real test lies in whether organizations can balance efficiency with empathy, and measurement with respect.