TCS Imposes 35-Day Bench Limit, Mandates 225 Billing Days Annually for Employees

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has implemented a revised associate deployment strategy that requires a minimum of 225 business days of billing yearly in an effort to tighten resource utilisation and decrease idle time.

This restricts bench time to 35 days annually, forcing workers to actively look for projects or face potential career consequences.

According to a media channel, the new regulations, which go into effect on June 12, are a part of TCS's internal initiative to increase efficiency as the IT services sector struggles with slow development as a result of uncertain macroeconomic conditions.

The Global Head of the Resource Management Group (RMG), Chandrasekaran Ramkumar, sent out an internal communication announcing the modification.

Employees will Face Severe Consequences for not Following Modifications

According to the guideline, associates must be assigned for at least 225 working days annually.

According to the statement, associates who are left unallocated after the limit may experience negative effects on their pay, promotions, abroad postings, and even their ability to continue working.

The TCS communication states that it is the associate's primary commitment to be proactive, connect with regional RMG, and pursue appropriate prospects, putting the onus allegedly entirely on the employees.

To stay deployment-ready, associates without active project allocations need to complete all training courses, use tools like the Gen AI interview coach, and spend four to six hours a day on learning platforms like iEvolve, VLS, and Fresco Play.

Freshers to be on Their Toes

The business has made it clear that on their first day, new hires should be given projects to work on. Newcomers have been advised to contact RMG immediately for assistance if it doesn't.

According to a story published by a media outlet, the corporation has expressed concern over its employees' frequent switching between short-term contracts. In the message, they mentioned that if this occurs regularly, HR may take action to look into the issue, which might have dire repercussions.

According to the new policy, working from the office is the norm when it comes to working arrangements. Flexibility or remote work will only be permitted in certain circumstances, such as a personal emergency, and will require prior RMG approval.

TCS has emphasised that failure to abide by this policy may lead to severe consequences, including termination. Additionally, TCS has issued a warning against making frequent short-term allocations across multiple projects. According to the rules, these kinds of trends could result in disciplinary action and HR investigations.