No Project? No Pay Hike! TCS Rolls Out Strict New Policy for Employees; 225 Billing Days Mandatory, Bench Time

TCS New Deployment Policy: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has introduced a new policy that significantly impacts employee work patterns. This policy mandates that employees must be billed for at least 225 days each year, effectively reducing their bench time to a maximum of 35 days annually. The aim is to enhance workforce utilisation and align with both organisational and individual performance objectives.

The Resource Management Group (RMG) at TCS, led by Chandrasekaran Ramkumar, is responsible for implementing this policy. They ensure associates are actively engaged in client projects. Employees who remain unallocated for extended periods may face negative consequences on their compensation, career progression, and potential overseas opportunities.

TCS New Policy for Employees: Impact on Compensation and Career Growth

A company document reviewed by TOI highlights the importance of maintaining a minimum allocation of 225 business days over the past year. It warns that prolonged unallocation can adversely affect an associate's compensation and career growth. Additionally, it may impact future overseas deployment opportunities and job continuity within the organisation.

During periods when associates are not assigned to any project, they must take proactive steps to find work. The document states, "In the event an associate is unallocated, it is the primary responsibility of the associate to proactively engage with the Unit / Regional RMG for seeking allocation and take initiative towards pursuing suitable opportunities provided by the organisation."

TCS Deployment Policy: Mandatory Upskilling During Bench Time

Associates on the bench are expected to dedicate 4 to 6 hours daily for learning through internal platforms like iEvolve, Fresco Play, and VLS, as well as external platforms such as LinkedIn. They must complete all required training sessions and regularly update their skills. Additionally, associates should use TCS's Gen AI interview coach and address any feedback received during interviews.

To facilitate quicker project deployment, TCS has made working from the office mandatory. Flexible work arrangements or working from home are generally not allowed unless there are exceptional personal emergencies. In such cases, associates may request short-term flexible work options subject to organisational policies and prior approval from RMG.