HCLTech has introduced a new policy linking employee leave to their office attendance. The initiative enforces a mandatory three-day work-from-office rule as part of efforts to encourage employees to return to physical workplaces post-pandemic.
Employees must now work from the office at least three days a week, totalling at least 12 days per month. Non-compliance with this rule will result in leave deductions for each missed day. If an employee exhausts their leave balance, the company may impose a loss of pay.
This change comes five months after HCLTech transitioned to a hybrid work model, which already required employees to attend the office three days a week. The new policy reinforces this mandate by tying attendance to benefits such as paid leave.
Reports indicate that the human resources department has started informing employees about the policy through official emails. According to sources, the policy is now active and being monitored. Employees have expressed concerns that exhausting their leave could lead to salary deductions, further emphasising the importance of adhering to the new rules.
Currently, employees with less than three years of tenure are eligible for 18 annual leaves and one personal leave. Those with more than three years of tenure receive 20 annual leaves and two personal leaves.
Initially, IT companies embraced hybrid work models, offering flexibility and remote-work options. However, many firms now aim to strengthen in-office attendance to foster collaboration and build social connections, particularly among employees who joined during the pandemic and are unfamiliar with office culture.
HCLTech believes this policy will enhance teamwork and project coordination, especially for middle and senior-level management. These employees follow a flexible three-day office schedule, while others adhere to arrangements determined by their managers to meet client commitments.
