HCL Technologies has announced implementation of a hybrid working model that makes it mandatory for all employees to work from office for a minimum of 3 days per week, effective February 19. As per an internal communication, failure to adhere to the policy will lead to disciplinary action including being marked absent or leave without pay.
Besides, work from home has been completely stopped for freshers.
The new guidelines will apply uniformly across bands and roles in HCL Tech’s Digital Foundation Services (DFS) vertical, encompassing employees from E0 to E3 levels typically having 8-10 years of experience. The move aligns with similar recent policies unveiled by peers TCS, Infosys and Wipro amid IT firms pushing for increased onsite work.
Productivity Tracking and Compliance Measures The HCL Tech management has asked reporting managers to closely monitor adherence by updating attendance records on the company’s internal portal. Managers have also been instructed to keep tabs on employee laptop activity during working hours to ensure optimum productivity.
As per reports, the past few months have already seen elevated tracking of productivity metrics and instances of warnings/escalations for non-compliance. Employees have voiced concerns regarding curtailed flexibility. But the firm has stood firm on the new policy, refusal of which will invite penalties.
The move comes despite HCL Tech registering steady growth, including 6.23% higher YoY profits at Rs 4,351 crore last quarter. However, tightened cost control seems part of its strategy amid volatile macros. The policy hints at more measurement of work outcomes over work hours alone.
