Even as Infosys founder NR Naryana Murthy calls for Indians to work 70 hours a week, the IT services giant has flagged employees working extended hours, stressing on the need for work-life balance. Infosys has started a campaign to caution staff about extended working hours during remote work periods, highlighting potential health concerns and emphasising the importance of maintaining work-life equilibrium.Infosys has sent personalised emails to staff members, requesting them to maintain standard working hours. “We must work for 9.15 hours a day for five days a week, and if we overshoot this while working remotely, it prompts a trigger,” an employee was quoted as saying in an ET report. The email indicates that the employee’s monthly average working hours exceeded the company’s prescribed duration.
Infosys Monitors Work From Home Hours
- The human resources department monitors remote working hours monthly. When excessive hours are detected, they send detailed notifications to the concerned staff member, including information about remote working days, total hours worked and daily average hours.
- This monitoring system was implemented following the introduction of hybrid working arrangements. The HR department now tracks the duration each employee spends on official duties whilst working remotely.
- The financial daily has reviewed several such employee communications. These messages emphasised that prioritising health and work-life balance would benefit both personal well-being and professional success in the long term.
Infosys employs approximately 323,500 staff members. Their workplace attendance directive, implemented on November 20, 2023, stipulates that staff must be present in the office for a minimum of 10 days monthly.Also Read | Not just Apple iPhones! Android smartphone makers like Samsung, Motorola step up exports from India to US; move due to Trump’s tariff policiesThis programme from India’s second-largest IT services provider emerges amidst concerns about young tech professionals facing health challenges, particularly cardiac issues, attributed to their irregular dietary and rest patterns.“While we appreciate your commitment, we also believe that maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for both your well-being and long-term professional success,” says the HR communication.“We understand that work demands and deadlines can sometimes lead to longer hours. However, it is important to maintain the balanced work-life schedule to enhance productivity and overall happiness.”The correspondence further adds, “Take regular breaks during your workday; Let your manager know if you are feeling overwhelmed or need support with reviewing priorities. Speak to your manager about delegating tasks or redistributing some responsibilities as appropriate; Take time to recharge during off hours, minimising work-related interactions whenever possible.”In recent years, discussions surrounding occupational stress and its impact on workers’ wellbeing have sparked widespread conversations about maintaining equilibrium between professional and personal life. This discourse has gained attention both nationally and internationally, as increasing instances of workplace-related pressure have resulted in various health complications, with some cases unfortunately leading to fatalities.Also Read | Tata Electronics builds India’s 1st semiconductor fabrication unit: Gujarat enables 1,500 residential units; mainly for Tata Group staff, suppliers