Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India's largest IT firms, is currently facing an unexpected challenge. After three years since the COVID-19 pandemic began, TCS has discontinued remote work for its employees. However, this new policy has not been well-received by many female staff members, leading to a recent surge in resignations.
TCS has been known for providing numerous employment opportunities to women, prioritizing gender diversity in its workforce. The company acknowledges that its decision to end work-from-home (WFH) arrangements is a significant factor contributing to the increased resignation rate among female employees.
Milind Lakkad, the Head of Human Resources at TCS, states that there has been a notable rise in resignations among female employees after the company discontinued remote work. While he acknowledges the existence of other potential factors, this is the primary one. Lakkad emphasizes that the resignations are not driven by discrimination. Historically, women at TCS have had a lower resignation rate compared to their male counterparts. However, this trend has now been surpassed.
Out of the over 600,000 people employed at TCS, 35% are women. In the fiscal year 2023, the company managed to retain 38.1% of its female employees. Additionally, women hold about three-fourths of the top positions within the company. It is worth noting that TCS experienced a workforce reduction of over 20% in the previous fiscal year.
In the face of global economic challenges and the possibility of a recession, every employee is dealing with adversity. Working remotely has received widespread positive feedback from employees, and companies that eliminate this option are experiencing a rise in resignations.
Working from home has become an accepted practice not only in India but also around the world. A survey conducted in the United States indicates that 25% of workers have chosen never to return to the office.