HCL Technologies, India’s third-largest IT company, is set to introduce a new leave policy linking employee leaves to their office attendance. This policy mandates a three-day work-from-office arrangement, aiming to bring employees back to the office post-pandemic.
The New Attendance Policy
Mandatory Office Days
According to sources, HCL Tech employees will be required to work from the office at least three days a week, amounting to 12 days per month. If employees fail to meet this requirement, the company will deduct their leaves for each day of absence. This policy shift comes five months after HCL Tech transitioned to a hybrid working model.
Communication and Implementation
The new policy has already been communicated to some teams via email and is effective immediately. An anonymous HCL Tech employee highlighted concerns, stating that once leaves are exhausted, non-compliance could lead to loss of pay.
Leave Entitlements
Annual Leave
HCL Tech employees with less than three years of tenure are entitled to 18 annual leaves and one personal leave. Those with more than three years at the company receive nearly 20 annual leaves and two personal leaves. The new policy emphasizes the importance of in-office work to maintain these leave benefits.
Hybrid Work Policy
Flexibility and Collaboration
An HCL Tech spokesperson noted that the hybrid work policy allows flexibility, particularly for middle and senior-level management, who follow a three-day office work arrangement to support collaboration. Other employees’ working arrangements are planned by respective managers to meet client commitments.
Comparison with TCS
HCL Tech’s move follows a similar policy by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which linked variable pay with office attendance in April 2024. TCS aims to have at least 85% of its workforce back in the office, with around 70% already complying.
Industry Trends
Shift to Hybrid Work
Since the pandemic, IT companies have adapted to a hybrid work environment, offering the option to work from home. However, there is now a trend to shift back to in-office work to boost social capital and improve collaboration, especially with new hires.
Conclusion
HCL Technologies’ new leave policy linking office attendance to leave entitlement marks a significant shift in the company’s post-pandemic work strategy. By requiring employees to work from the office at least three days a week, HCL Tech aims to enhance collaboration and align with industry trends. This move, mirroring similar policies by other IT giants like TCS, highlights the evolving dynamics of workplace arrangements in the IT sector.
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