Genpact has initiated an independent internal review after employees at its Hyderabad office raised allegations of gender discrimination, excessive working hours, harassment and retaliation against those who complained about workplace conditions.
The allegations surfaced after employee Rohit Kotana shared a video recording of a September meeting in which several employees raised complaints with the company’s employee relations representative. The recording, originally posted on LinkedIn, has since circulated widely on social media.
HRKatha has obtained a copy of the video, in which employees describe alleged discriminatory remarks, restrictions on breaks, difficulties obtaining emergency leave and threats of disciplinary action. The recording can be watched here.
One of the employees alleges that senior manager Xavier Francis openly expressed his reluctance to have women on the team, citing menstrual leave, maternity-related emergencies and concerns about their efficiency.
“He openly stated and [said] that whatever you can take up to HR if you want, there are multiple complaints on me and there has been nothing done against me,” the employee says in the recording, recounting what she claims the manager told staff.
Another employee describes how she photographed a menstrual blood stain on a cafeteria chair after unexpectedly getting her period at work. She says she feared she might need evidence to explain a delay in reporting to work.
“Of course, they didn’t ask for me,” she clarifies in the recording, explaining that she took the photograph on her own because she was concerned her explanation might not be believed.
Employees also allege that their toilet breaks were closely monitored and questioned, including breaks lasting seven to ten minutes. One woman describes being passed between managers when requesting half a day’s leave because of menstrual pain, only to receive a message asking her to log in early the following day.
The recording also contains allegations concerning the handling of medical emergencies. Kotana recounts an incident in which he was receiving medical assistance for hyperventilation. He alleges that Francis laughed and remarked that employees could not handle pressure.
In another account, an employee describes informing management that her fiancé had been admitted to an intensive care unit following an accident. She alleges that Francis subsequently asked whether she would be able to report to work the following day. The discussion also includes claims that he threatened disciplinary action and termination over her absence.
Separately, Moneycontrol reported that employees at Genpact’s Hafeezpet office had accused Francis of expecting staff to work 13 to 14 hours a day, pressuring them to work on weekends and targeting those who raised complaints. Employees reportedly escalated concerns to senior leadership as early as July and subsequently submitted written complaints to the employee relations team.
Responding to the allegations, Genpact said, “At Genpact, the health, safety, and dignity of our people come first. We believe in nurturing a workplace where everyone is treated with respect, and we take any concern about employee safety and workplace conduct seriously.”
The company confirmed that an independent internal review was underway and said appropriate action would be taken upon its completion.
The allegations remain under review, and Genpact has not commented on the individual complaints.
