Infosys encourages its staff to have a healthy work-life balance. According to reports, the tech giant has launched an internal campaign where HR is monitoring how much time employees spend working in the office and reminding them to adhere to regular working hours, particularly when working remotely. Employees whose reported working hours beyond the usual threshold are even receiving personalized emails from the corporation reminding them to follow regular schedules and take care of their health.
An Economic Times investigation claims that employees whose average monthly working hours above the standard 9.15 hours per day, five days a week, receive health reminder letters from the company’s human resources department. These emails give information about the employee’s remote work schedule and stress the value of preserving work-life balance. One employee told the publication, “We have to work 9.15 hours a day, five days a week, and if we go overboard while working remotely, it sets off a trigger.” The emails also contain information about the employee’s average number of hours worked per day, the number of days they worked remotely, and the overall number of hours they clocked in.
The emails include a clear reminder to staff members to maintain a healthy work-life balance and take care of their health. According to the organization, it is crucial for both long-term professional efficacy and personal well-being. Employees at Infosys are also encouraged to take regular breaks, voice concerns if they feel overburdened, assign tasks when necessary, and unplug from work after hours in order to refuel. One such email said, “Recharge during off-peak hours, minimizing work-related interactions whenever possible.”
According to reports, this new attempt to put employee health first was implemented following Infosys’ adoption of a mixed work style. Employees must work from the office at least ten days a month as a result of the company’s November 20, 2023, return-to-office policy. Since then, HR departments have started keeping track of how much time workers spend working remotely.
The project is being launched at a time when a growing number of professionals are suffering from heart-related conditions and other health problems as a result of overworking, irregular eating, and inadequate sleep. With more than 323,000 employees, Infosys is now proactively addressing these risks. A portion of HR’s letter to staff members states, “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.”
But Infosys’ new position goes against what co-founder N. R. Narayana Murthy argued for only a year ago. Speaking at the centennial commemoration of the Indian Chamber of Commerce in Kolkata, Murthy stated that if India wishes to become a global superpower, young Indians must put in more effort. He pointed to the 800 million Indians who live below the poverty line and questioned, “If we are not in a position to work hard, then who will work hard?”
In 1986, Murthy openly criticized India for switching to a five-day workweek, claiming he had never supported the change. “I don’t believe in this concept of work-life balance,” he declared at the CNBC Global Leadership Summit in November of last year, adding that sacrifice and unrelenting effort will be necessary for true growth.
His remarks caused controversy and division among professional generations. Critics questioned if such expectations are healthy and sustainable in India’s fast-paced IT sector, even as many praised his accomplishments and work ethic.
