India's work-life balance debate intensifies: Here's what's happening across IT and tech majors
Almost a week ago, technology and services firm Genpact responded to social media backlash over excessive work hours by clarifying that it follows a nine-hour workday, not ten as widely claimed.
Meanwhile, software services major Infosys has introduced a new monitoring system to track remote working hours, a move positioned as supporting work-life balance.
A survey conducted in March by New York-based business process management firm Vertex Group in five Indian states revealed that about 52% of employees experience burnout due to poor work-life balance.
In February, ET reported that while global companies experiment with four-day work weeks and flexible models, India Inc. largely equates long hours with dedication. Experts noted that in India, compensation often correlates directly with time spent at work, reinforcing a culture of long hours.
Also Read: Genpact work policy: Is India closer to adopting China’s 996 work culture?
Infosys
Infosys has started sending personalised warning emails to employees who exceed standard working hours. Under its current policy, employees are expected to work nine hours and 15 minutes per day, five days a week. Any excess time spent working remotely now triggers an alert.
The email includes details such as the number of remote workdays, total hours logged, and average daily hours. Infosys, which employs around 323,500 people, introduced a return-to-office policy in November 2023 requiring at least 10 days per month in office.
The company’s publicly available Code of Conduct states, “If you believe that you have been discriminated against, harassed, or have not been given equal opportunities at work, you are encouraged to submit a complaint.” It adds that Infosys is an equal opportunity employer, making decisions based on merit and business needs.
Also Read: ‘Mind your health, please’: Infosys cautions employees against long remote hours
Genpact
Following allegations of a 10-hour workday policy, employees revealed that “productivity” is tracked via an internal system monitoring daily active hours.
A senior staff member told ET HR World that the 10-hour policy “isn’t even official, but is passed through managers.” Frequent resignations among experienced employees have been reported, with new hires often replacing them.
Financial Express reported that Genpact offers incentives for longer work hours, employees can earn up to 500 points a month, translating to Rs 3,000 in incentives. There is also an additional 5% bonus (around Rs 150) for every extra hour logged beyond the standard.
Genpact’s management later clarified that no manager is authorised to mandate extended hours beyond the agreed workday. Leadership emphasised its commitment to maintaining a balanced work culture, even as productivity expectations evolve.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Last month, TCS rolled out a new associate deployment policy requiring at least 225 billed business days annually per employee, limiting bench time to a maximum of 35 days per year.
Effective June 12, the policy aims to reduce idle time and improve workforce utilisation in line with individual and company performance goals.
Employees are also expected to spend 4–6 hours daily on learning platforms such as iEvolve, Fresco Play, and LinkedIn, completing all required training and updating skills regularly.
To support faster deployment, TCS has made physical office presence mandatory; flexible or remote work arrangements are largely not permitted. The All India IT & ITeS Employees’ Union (AIITEU) criticised the policy, calling it an “anti-worker policy” aimed at downsizing teams.
Meanwhile, software services major Infosys has introduced a new monitoring system to track remote working hours, a move positioned as supporting work-life balance.
A survey conducted in March by New York-based business process management firm Vertex Group in five Indian states revealed that about 52% of employees experience burnout due to poor work-life balance.
In February, ET reported that while global companies experiment with four-day work weeks and flexible models, India Inc. largely equates long hours with dedication. Experts noted that in India, compensation often correlates directly with time spent at work, reinforcing a culture of long hours.
Also Read: Genpact work policy: Is India closer to adopting China’s 996 work culture?
Infosys
Infosys has started sending personalised warning emails to employees who exceed standard working hours. Under its current policy, employees are expected to work nine hours and 15 minutes per day, five days a week. Any excess time spent working remotely now triggers an alert.
The email includes details such as the number of remote workdays, total hours logged, and average daily hours. Infosys, which employs around 323,500 people, introduced a return-to-office policy in November 2023 requiring at least 10 days per month in office.
The company’s publicly available Code of Conduct states, “If you believe that you have been discriminated against, harassed, or have not been given equal opportunities at work, you are encouraged to submit a complaint.” It adds that Infosys is an equal opportunity employer, making decisions based on merit and business needs.
Also Read: ‘Mind your health, please’: Infosys cautions employees against long remote hours
Genpact
Following allegations of a 10-hour workday policy, employees revealed that “productivity” is tracked via an internal system monitoring daily active hours.
A senior staff member told ET HR World that the 10-hour policy “isn’t even official, but is passed through managers.” Frequent resignations among experienced employees have been reported, with new hires often replacing them.
Financial Express reported that Genpact offers incentives for longer work hours, employees can earn up to 500 points a month, translating to Rs 3,000 in incentives. There is also an additional 5% bonus (around Rs 150) for every extra hour logged beyond the standard.
Genpact’s management later clarified that no manager is authorised to mandate extended hours beyond the agreed workday. Leadership emphasised its commitment to maintaining a balanced work culture, even as productivity expectations evolve.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
Last month, TCS rolled out a new associate deployment policy requiring at least 225 billed business days annually per employee, limiting bench time to a maximum of 35 days per year.
Effective June 12, the policy aims to reduce idle time and improve workforce utilisation in line with individual and company performance goals.
Employees are also expected to spend 4–6 hours daily on learning platforms such as iEvolve, Fresco Play, and LinkedIn, completing all required training and updating skills regularly.
To support faster deployment, TCS has made physical office presence mandatory; flexible or remote work arrangements are largely not permitted. The All India IT & ITeS Employees’ Union (AIITEU) criticised the policy, calling it an “anti-worker policy” aimed at downsizing teams.
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