The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has rebuked HCL Technologies for its recent policy linking employee leaves to office attendance. Labelling it as ‘unfair’, NITES said it violates Indian labour statutes.
HCL Technologies is reportedly introducing a new leave policy where employees’ leave entitlement will be tied to their office attendance. The policy mandates employees to work from the office three days a week and be present at least 12 days a month. Failure to meet these requirements will result in deductions from their leave balance for each day they absent themselves from work.
This shift comes as HCL Tech aims to increase in-office presence following the global pandemic and marks a change from their previous hybrid working model implemented just five months ago. Employees have expressed concerns over potential impacts on their leave balances and pay, as the HR department begins communicating these changes via email to select teams.
NITES, voicing concerns on the policy, argued that such requirements not only undermine work-life balance but also contravene regulations such as the Shops and Establishments Act, which mandate consultation with employees for changes in leave policies.
In the wake of widespread adoption of flexible work arrangements post pandemic, NITES emphasised the need for progressive policies and criticised HCL Technologies for what it sees as a backward step. The union has called upon the tech giant to reconsider its stance and prioritise the welfare of its employees.
The company is yet to respond on the matter officially.
