Policy Shift or Overtime Script? India’s IT Bigwigs Rewrite the Rulebook

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India's top IT firms—Infosys, TCS, and Genpact—are rewriting the rule book on employee engagement, challenging new questions regarding productivity, happiness, and the holy grail of work-life balance.

Infosys: Monitoring with a Mindful Lens

Introduced automated notifications for remote workers for more than 9 hours 15 minutes daily

They maintain extensive work hour records and promote breaks, delegation, and disconnection outside work hours

Consolidating its 10 days in office per month hybrid model since November 2023

Evidently a low-profile sequel to founder Narayana Murthy's initial 70-hour workweek proposal

Genpact: Paying for Hours, Stoking Controversy

Reportedly implemented a 10-hour workday, which caused internal discontent and widespread outrage

Productivity monitored through internal portals; workers can earn as much as 500 points (₹3,000) per month

Additional overtime bonuses, even though the company subsequently clarified a routine 9-hour.

Lambasted for informal communication and lack of transparency

TCS: Flexibility vs. Utilization

New policy demands 225 charged business days annually, decreasing bench time to 35 days

Employees need to spend 4–6 hours a day on learning platforms like iEvolve and LinkedIn Learning

Physical presence in the office is now required, ending flexible work arrangements

The All India IT and ITeS Employees' Union's action has labeled the move anti-worker

These developments arrive as the world is seeing growing interest in four-day workweeks and preventing burnout. Yet India's technology sector appears to be tightening the reins, and sustainability and employee morale questions are raised.

Sources: Economic Times, NDTV Profit, Hindustan Times, Business Today, DQ India, BW People, CNBC TV18, The Hindu.