As the world has gradually recovered from the global pandemic, IT firms are exploring creative strategies to bring their employees back to the office.
The shift to remote work during the pandemic proved that many tasks can be performed efficiently from home, but the absence of face-to-face interaction has left many organizations eager to restore a sense of community and collaboration that physical presence fosters.
The IT Firms including Dell, Infosys, and many more implemented various policies to bring back employees to office.
Dell
In February, the tech giant enforced a return-to-office policy, requiring employees to categorize themselves as either hybrid or remote.
Remote workers forfeited eligibility for promotions or role changes. Hybrid employees were mandated to attend the office 39 days per quarter, around three days weekly, monitored via a color-coded system. This involved the introduction of badge tracking through a “human capital management software” system.
The company planned to use electronic badge scans. The purpose was to ascertain whether employees are present at on-site offices during work hours. Additionally, Dell planned to introduce a system of color-coded ratings for employees, which will be based on their level of on-site presence.
However, as per media reports, the company’s nearly half of its employees have opted to stay fully remote, despite sacrificing career promotion opportunities.
Infosys
On the other end, in February, the employees from select business units at Infosys can utilize InfyMe an employee experience platform that allows them to apply for work-from-home (WFH) up to 11 days per month.
Infosys also launched “In-Person Collab” Weeks to boost collaborative work, part of their return-to-office strategy amid competitive growth pressures.
Employees involved in ENG-IoT projects are encouraged to work from the office for at least 10 days monthly. This initiative aims to enhance teamwork and innovation, aligning with Infosys’ hybrid work policy introduced last year.
Remote workers are urged to plan their return for collaborative activities at development centers. Infosys plans at least six weeks quarterly for this initiative.
Concurrently, Infosys has partnered with Pacific International Lines to enhance PIL’s web and mobile applications, aiming to elevate customer engagement and connectivity.
TCS
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) mandated Work From Office and announced its Variable Pay Policy.
- The new policy updates that employees falling below 60% attendance may not qualify for bonuses.
- The new policy designates 50% variable pay for those maintaining attendance between 60% and 75% for the quarter.
- The employees attending 75-85% of the time will receive 75% variable pay, while those with attendance exceeding 85% will receive their full variable pay.
The new policy says, “If any employee is found to violate the laid down rules, there will be implications on the annual performance review, compensation, and career progression of the employee.”
In April 2024, K Krithivasan said that almost 50% of employees are coming to the office thrice a week and the company plans to take this number to 70-80%.
“Our stand is clear on the way back-to-office. We want more and more people to come to work. We place a lot of emphasis and importance on what we call the TCS culture and TCS DNA.”
Cognizant
In February this year, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S said in a memo that all India associates are “expected to be in the office an average of three days per week, or as defined by their team leader.”
In May 2024 again the company cautioned its employees that failure to comply with the directives to return to the office, despite multiple reminders, may result in termination.
The company has around 254,000 based in India.
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