K’s World

440 pm. K’s home-office

The rays of the afternoon sun reflected in the window. It didn’t bother K due to the 18°C on the AC. In fact, it had been months since he went out in the sun. He had violated the guidelines given by his department. It doesn’t matter.

He almost generated the report. It needs to be sent to his boss. Before 5 pm. The system wouldn’t allow after that. He waited impatiently for the spinning dots to compile the report. The report was ready — Accounts Payable Feb 2031. K sent the file through the work flow to his boss just in time.

The day was also over. He was relieved. This mattered very much. Performance appraisal!

“Terrible”, he thought. The system monitored him continuously six hours a day, 4 days a week, 11 months a year. There was no escape. Even the health guidelines of 2,000 steps per day during the work-hours is monitored and points get accumulated in the SHE performance category.

Last year he was depressed for couple of months when he didn’t get the promotion. “Office politics”, his wife consoled him. He wanted to prove to his wife.

He had worked hard. For two months, the outstanding accounts payable was at the best position. His continuous monitoring of bad accounts and follow up had paid off. With just once before the financial year, he wanted to be sure to get the required points.

1000 a.m. Heavy Works Limited.

The minister of Internal Affairs was shown into the conference room by the managing director. He guided the minister through the presentation of the progress, financial, production, welfare targets, etc.

“How many are enrolled?”

“1532”, the MD replied.

“Is the experiment on track?”

“Yes. They work from home. They manage suppliers, production, shipments, accounts, etc. Everything done is online. All the transactions are smooth, without any hitch. It is perfect so far”.

The minister smiled.

“No one knows it is not real”, whispered the MD.