Infosys has started sending warning emails to employees who work beyond 9 hours and 15 minutes daily.
This change comes after the company introduced a tracking system to watch work hours more closely, especially for those working from home. The system sends alerts to employees who go past the allowed limit.
An Infosys employee told ET, “We must work for 9.15 hours a day for five days a week, and if we overshoot this while working remotely, it prompts a trigger.”
Workplace Rules Under Hybrid Setup
Since November 2023, Infosys has required employees to work from the office for at least 10 days each month.
The rest of the time, many work from home. The company’s human resources team reviews remote work hours each month and reaches out to staff who consistently go over time.
The email sent by HR praised the hard work of employees but reminded them to protect their time off. “Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both your well-being and long-term professional success,” the note stated.
Message from HR Encourages Breaks and Support
The email gave some clear advice to employees: take breaks, talk to your manager if you’re overwhelmed, and ask for help with tasks if needed.
It also encouraged staff to step away from work outside of working hours to avoid burnout.
Shift in Focus for Indian IT Industry
Infosys’ approach highlights a broader shift in the Indian IT sector. Long working hours have often been the norm, but companies are now paying more attention to mental health and steady work habits.
The new system marks a change from a culture where longer hours were often seen as a sign of loyalty or dedication.
Why a Sudden Internal Campaign on Work-Life Balance by Companies
The surge in internal work-life balance campaigns stems from two key workforce shifts.
First, today’s younger employees—especially those who entered the workforce during COVID-19—come with distinct expectations of autonomy, flexibility, and value alignment.
Unlike prior generations raised with a scarcity mindset focused on job security, this cohort seeks workplaces that demonstrate care and respect.
Second, organizations face high attrition and pressure to retain talent.
In response, companies are making their commitment to employee well-being more visible and intentional.
This isn’t entirely new.
Two decades ago at Infosys Mangalore, an initiative called “On Time” encouraged employees to leave work on time to prioritize life outside the office—socializing, fitness, and family.
It worked well, reinforcing that managing time and attention can boost productivity and satisfaction.
Today, as AI transforms workflows and workplace dynamics, these campaigns aim to balance demands with empathy.
When done genuinely, they acknowledge that employees are more than resources—they’re individuals who thrive when they feel seen and supported.
Ultimately, these efforts reflect a shift from transactional work models to relational ones, where caring becomes a strategic priority.
Companies are learning that by valuing people, they unlock both performance and loyalty.
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Quiet Response to Murthy’s 70-Hour Week Comment
Some see this move as a soft pushback against Narayana Murthy’s recent comments. Last year, he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to help the country grow. His remarks stirred debate, with many calling them outdated or unrealistic.
Infosys seems to be taking a different route. While it still values hard work, the company’s latest move puts personal health and balance ahead of long workdays.
By asking employees to work within set limits, Infosys sends a clear message: staying healthy and rested is just as important as meeting deadlines.
This shift may also influence other tech companies in India to rethink how they manage remote work and staff well-being.
As more people continue to work in hybrid settings, rules around work hours could become a bigger focus across the industry.
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