Infosys, the Indian IT giant, which made news for laying off hundreds of its trainees, is again making headlines. This time, the IT company is in the news for sending personalised warning emails to its employees who are working long hours and have exceeded standard working hours, disobeying founder Narayana Murthy’s advocacy for a 70-hour workweek.
Why Infosys Sending Warning Emails To Employees?
The Bengaluru-based IT firm has put in an automated monitoring system which automatically triggers alerts when any employee works more than 9 hours and 15 minutes in a day.
The automated monitoring system is monitored by the HR department, which tracks every employee’s working hours every month. The department sends warning emails to those employees who exceed prescribed durations.
“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,” The Economic Times quoted an employee as saying.
Why Infosys Monitoring Remote Work Hours?
Notably, the monitoring system was implemented after the hybrid working arrangements for the company’s 323,500 employees. When the HR team detects an individual’s long hours it sends comprehensive emails which include details about remote working days, total hours worked, and daily averages.
Beginning in November 2023, the company mandated a minimum of ten days of in-office work per month for all employees.
The emails highlight that employees should make a balance between health and work-life, which benefits both personal wellbeing and professional success.
Are Health Concerns Driving A Policy Shift In The Indian It Sector?
This initiative emerges amid growing concerns about young tech professionals facing health challenges, particularly cardiac issues attributed to irregular dietary and rest patterns.
It is worth mentioning that the companies have taken the initiative following growing concerns about young professionals facing health challenges, specifically heart problems due to irregular diet and rest timings.
The company issued new guidelines advocating for regular work breaks and open communication with managers about workload. This contrasts sharply with previous statements promoting 70-hour workweeks. The shift reflects a growing emphasis on employee well-being and sustainable productivity within the Indian IT sector.