In a significant shift within the IT industry, Wipro Ltd., India’s fourth-largest software services company, has made it compulsory for its employees to work from the office for three days a week, effective from November 15, 2023. This policy change aligns with the company’s emphasis on in-person collaboration and innovation, marking a transition away from the widespread remote work practices that were prevalent during the pandemic.
Wipro announced this shift in its workplace policy on Monday, stating that approximately 55% of its employees are already working in the office three days a week. The company believes that in-person interactions are vital for the professional development of its employees and are a key driver for ongoing innovation to benefit clients.
This move by Wipro follows a similar directive from one of its peer companies, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which instructed certain teams to work on-site full-time, five days a week.
Across the IT sector, there is a growing consensus that the work-from-home model, which became the norm during the pandemic, should evolve as the industry faces challenges such as a period of slowdown. Emphasis is being placed on enhancing teamwork among staff and maintaining rigorous control over sensitive matters like client privacy, which can be more challenging to secure outside of the traditional office environment.
The transition back to in-office work is, however, met with resistance from employees who have grown accustomed to the remote work lifestyle over the past two years.
While the primary goal of this shift is to enhance productivity, it is also motivated by the need to manage increasing labor costs and maximize resource utilization. Additionally, companies aim to better cope with the limited clarity surrounding business forecasts.
When it comes to employee turnover, the attrition rates among leading IT companies have become quite similar. As of the end of the second quarter, TCS, Infosys, HCL, and Wipro reported attrition rates of 14.9%, 14.6%, 15.5%, and 14.2%, respectively. This trend highlights the broader industry’s challenge in retaining talent and fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment amidst evolving workplace practices.
