Global IT services firm Genpact is facing mounting criticism for enforcing a mandatory 10-hour workday at select offices, including its Hyderabad location. Employees are required to log active hours daily, monitored through an internal dashboard. The move has triggered complaints across platforms like Reddit and Fishbowl, with workers calling it intrusive, exhausting, and out of step with modern work culture.
Monitoring and Micromanagement Raise Alarm
The company’s internal system flags inconsistencies in logged time, and deviations are reportedly being marked as “behavioural issues.” Employees claim the environment feels like hyper-surveillance, contributing to a sharp dip in morale. While technically compliant with Indian labour laws, the policy contrasts with global trends that favour flexibility and work-life balance post-COVID.
Incentive Falls Short
Genpact is offering Rs 3,000 per month for adhering to the new schedule—about Rs 150 per day. Employees have openly criticised the incentive as symbolic rather than meaningful, saying it does not compensate for the increased mental and physical strain. A Fishbowl user quipped, “That is less than what some spend on coffee each day.”
Concerns Over Ageism and Workforce Strategy
Beyond long hours, some employees allege the policy may be part of a broader strategy to phase out senior staff in favour of cheaper recruits. Although unconfirmed, several posts describe a culture of burnout and churn. These developments come at a time when India’s IT-BPM industry is under pressure to boost margins through automation and cost cuts.
Silence Adds Fuel to the Fire
Genpact has yet to comment on the backlash. The absence of an official explanation has only intensified employee frustration, with reports suggesting rising attrition. Industry observers warn that while short-term cost savings may look good on paper, they could damage Genpact’s brand and talent retention in the long run.
Culture and Morale in Question
As workplace culture becomes a defining factor in employee retention, Genpact’s current approach may prompt a serious rethink. Whether this policy remains or is reversed will depend heavily on employee feedback, retention metrics, and public sentiment in the coming weeks.
