India’s second-largest IT services company Infosys has begun sending personalized warning emails to employees who exceed standard working hours, directly contradicting founder Nra narayana murthy‘s recent advocacy for a 70-hour workweek. The Bengaluru-based firm has implemented an automated monitoring system that triggers alerts when employees work beyond 9 hours and 15 minutes daily.“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,” an employee told The Economic Times. The company’s HR department now tracks remote working hours monthly, sending detailed notifications to staff members who exceed prescribed durations.
Infosys monitors remote work hours to prevent burnout
The monitoring system was introduced following hybrid working arrangements for Infosys’s 323,500 employees. When excessive hours are detected, HR sends comprehensive notifications including information about remote working days, total hours worked, and daily averages. The company’s workplace policy, implemented in November 2023, requires staff to be present in office for minimum 10 days monthly. “While we appreciate your commitment, we also believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both your well-being and long-term professional success,” states the HR communication reviewed by financial dailies. The emails emphasize that prioritizing health and work-life balance benefits both personal wellbeing and professional success.
Health concerns drive policy shift in 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. The company’s guidance includes specific recommendations: “Take regular breaks during your workday; Let your manager know if you are feeling overwhelmed or need support with reviewing priorities.”The policy represents a significant departure from Murthy’s recent statements calling for Indians to work 70 hours weekly to accelerate economic growth. The move reflects evolving workplace norms in Indian IT sectorwhere employee mental health and sustainable productivity are gaining prominence over extended working hours.
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