TCS Gives Employees 35 Days to Get on a Project, Ends Remote Work Policy

Introduction

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services company, has announced a strict new mandate requiring employees to return to office or secure a project within 35 days. This move marks the official end of remote work flexibility for most employees, signaling a major shift in the company’s post-pandemic work culture.

This blog covers:
✔ Details of TCS’s new work policy
✔ Reasons behind the shift from remote work
✔ Employee reactions & industry impact
✔ What this means for the future of hybrid work in IT

TCS’s New Work Policy: Key Changes

Policy Update	Details
Return to Office (RTO) Mandate	Employees must work from office at least 3 days a week
35-Day Project Deadline	Bench employees must find a project within 35 days or face consequences
Remote Work Ends	Only client-approved exceptions allowed
Non-Compliance Penalty	Possible performance reviews, salary impacts, or exits

Who is Affected?

All TCS employees, including freshers and lateral hires.
Employees on the bench (not assigned to projects).

Why is TCS Enforcing This Policy Now?

1. Push for Higher Productivity

TCS believes in-office collaboration boosts innovation and project delivery.
Internal reports suggest remote work led to a 5–8% dip in productivity.

2. Reducing Bench Strength

Over 6,000 employees were on the bench as of Q1 2025.
The 35-day deadline forces faster project allocation.

3. Client Pressure for Onsite Work

Many clients (especially BFSI & healthcare sectors) prefer onsite teams.

4. Cost-Cutting Measures

TCS aims to trim operational costs by reducing long-term bench payrolls.

Employee Reactions: Mixed Responses

Supportive Voices

✔ “Better teamwork & mentorship in office.” – Mid-level manager, Bengaluru.
✔ “More visibility with leadership.” – Project lead, Mumbai.

Criticism & Concerns

✖ “Forced RTO disrupts work-life balance.” – Remote employee, Delhi.
✖ “35 days is too short for project allocation.” – Bench resource, Hyderabad.

Union & HR Response

Nascent IT Employees Union (NITE): Considering legal action.
TCS HR: Claims the policy is “performance-driven, not punitive.”

Industry Impact: Will Other IT Firms Follow?

Company	Current Work Policy	Likelihood of Stricter RTO
Infosys	Hybrid (2-3 days office)	Moderate (may follow TCS)
Wipro	Flexible (team-dependent)	Low (client-driven exceptions)
HCL Tech	3 days office mandatory	Already aligned with TCS
Accenture	Hybrid (no strict mandate)	Low (global flexibility)

Expert Opinion

“TCS is setting a precedent—others may enforce RTO soon.” – IT Analyst, Prabhudas Lilladher.
“Mass attrition risk if policies are too rigid.” – HR Consultant, Deloitte.

What Should TCS Employees Do Now?

1. On-Bench Employees

Actively seek internal projects via TMS (TCS Management System).
Upskill in high-demand areas (AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity).

2. Remote Workers

Apply for client exemptions if possible.
Relocate or resign if unwilling to RTO.

3. Future Applicants

Expect stricter office mandates when joining TCS.
Negotiate remote clauses in offer letters (rare but possible).

Long-Term Implications for IT Work Culture

1. End of Pandemic-Era Flexibility

Most IT firms are reverting to pre-2020 norms.

2. Increased Attrition Risk

Employees may shift to startups or MNCs with remote options.

3. Real Estate & Infrastructure Demand

Office space leasing in tech hubs (Bengaluru, Pune) to rise.

Conclusion: TCS Doubles Down on Office-Centric Work

TCS’s 35-day project rule and RTO mandate reflect a broader corporate shift away from remote work. While the move aims to boost productivity and cut costs, it risks employee dissatisfaction and attrition.

Key Takeaways:
✔ Strict 3-day office rule now enforced.
✔ Bench employees must find projects in 35 days.
✔ Industry-wide RTO trends likely to accelerate.

FAQs

Q1. Can TCS fire employees who don’t return to office?
A: Yes, non-compliance may lead to performance actions or exits.

Q2. Are there any exceptions to the RTO rule?
A: Only with client or medical approvals.

Q3. How will this policy impact TCS’s hiring?
A: Fresher hiring may slow down as bench management tightens.

Q4. Will TCS allow work-from-home again?
A: Unlikely, unless another crisis (like COVID) forces a reversal.

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