Capgemini India’s CEO Ashwin Yardi has advocated for a 47.5-hour work week and a strict no weekend email policy.
Ashwin emphasized the importance of work-life balance.
He highlighted the need to adapt to the expectations of younger employees while speaking at the Nasscom Technology and Leadership Forum (NTLF)
Ashwin Yardi’s proposal for a 47.5-hour work week comes at a time when the debate over working hours is gaining momentum.
He suggested that employees should work nine hours a day, five days a week, totaling 47.5 hours per week.
This proposal stands in stark contrast to the views of other industry leaders.
For instance, Infosys co-founder N R Narayana Murthy has been advocating for a 70-hour work week.
Similarly, L&T’s Chairman S N Subrahmanyan has called for a 90-hour work week.
Ashwin’s stance is rooted in the belief that a balanced work schedule can lead to better productivity and employee satisfaction.
He highlighted that the demographic profile of IT workers necessitates a shift in organizational strategies. This shift aims to meet the expectations of younger employees.
Capgemini CEO’s No Weekend Emails Policy
In addition to advocating for a 47.5-hour work week, Ashwin has also championed a no weekend email policy.
He stated that his guiding principle for the past four years has been to avoid sending emails on weekends.
He makes exceptions only if the issue can be resolved over the weekend, even in cases of escalation.
Ashwin acknowledged that he sometimes works on weekends. However, he refrains from sending emails to employees to avoid causing unnecessary stress and grief.
This policy aims to ensure that employees can enjoy their weekends without the pressure of work-related communications.
Ashwin’s approach contrasts with the practices of some other industry leaders.
For example, Marico’s CEO Saugata Gupta mentioned that he does send emails at 11 PM, emphasizing the importance of outcomes over strict work hours.
Industry Reactions and Company’s Employee-Centric Strategies
Ashwin’s proposals have elicited varied reactions from industry leaders.
Nasscom’s chairperson Sindhu Gangadharan, who also leads SAP’s India operations, supported the idea that outcomes should matter more than the number of hours worked.
This sentiment was echoed by other leaders at the NTLF. They emphasized the need for flexibility and adaptability in the modern workplace.
However, the contrasting views of leaders like N R Narayana Murthy and S N Subrahmanyan highlight the ongoing debate over the ideal work schedule.
Narayana’s advocacy for a 70-hour work week and Subrahmanyan’s call for a 90-hour work week reflect a more traditional approach to work hours, which prioritizes extended working periods.
Ashwin also outlined several strategies that Capgemini has adopted to cater to the expectations of its younger workforce.
These include quarterly promotion cycles, six-week employee surveys, and clearly charted career paths for employees.
These initiatives aim to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction, ensuring that the company remains an attractive employer in the competitive IT industry.
Ashwin’s emphasis on adapting to the needs of younger employees underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the evolving expectations of the workforce.
By implementing policies that promote work-life balance and employee well-being, Capgemini aims to foster a positive and productive work environment.
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