TCS, Cognizant, and Other IT Firms Roll Out New Strategies to Boost Office Attendance

In a bid to revive workplace norms post-pandemic, major tech companies such as Cognizant, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Dell Technologies, Wipro, and Infosys are adopting innovative strategies to encourage employees to return to the office. These initiatives include roster management apps, variable pay linked to office attendance, attendance monitoring systems, and flexible work-from-home options.

Cognizant’s Roster Management and FlexiSeat Apps

Cognizant has introduced a roster management app to help managers create work schedules based on operational needs. This is complemented by the existing FlexiSeat app, which allows employees to book seats within company premises, enhancing oversight of employee presence. CEO Ravi Kumar emphasized the importance of purposeful office attendance, recommending a minimum of three days per week in the office as determined by supervisors. The company’s NextGen program aims to optimize office spaces for hybrid work setups, aligning with post-pandemic operational structures.

TCS’s Variable Pay Policy

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has implemented a policy that links employees’ quarterly variable pay to their office attendance. Employees who spend less than 60% of their time in the office will receive no variable pay, while those attending between 60-75% will receive 50% of it. This policy underscores TCS’s emphasis on in-office presence and incentivizes employees to prioritize workplace attendance.

Dell Technologies’ Attendance Monitoring System

Dell Technologies plans to use an electronic badge swipe system, VPN monitoring, and a color-coded attendance system to track employee presence. The system categorizes attendance levels with four colors: blue (consistent on-site), green (regular on-site), yellow (partial on-site), and red (limited on-site). This initiative aims to provide better visibility into employee attendance patterns.

Wipro’s Focus on Employee Engagement

Wipro is taking a different approach by fostering a more inclusive workplace culture. Chief Human Resources Officer Saurabh Govil announced the establishment of local councils to boost associate involvement, teamwork, and connectivity. Wipro plans to increase on-campus activities to encourage employees to work from company facilities, focusing on engagement rather than strict attendance policies.

Infosys’s Flexible Work-from-Home Options

Infosys offers flexible work-from-home options through its employee experience platform, InfyMe, allowing specific business units to request up to 11 days of remote work per month. Previously, the company required junior and mid-level employees to return to the office for ten days monthly starting in November 2020, deviating from competitors who enforce a five-day work week.

These initiatives reflect the evolving workplace dynamics in the technology sector, balancing the benefits of remote work with the value of in-person collaboration and engagement. As companies navigate the transition to hybrid work models, the focus remains on fostering a productive and inclusive workplace environment.