Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT company, is facing criticism from employees after a new bench policy was introduced. The company started this new policy on June 12, 2025. The first 35-day cycle ends today, July 17. Many employees are now worried about their job security and future in the company.
What is the Bench Policy?
The bench policy is a rule related to employees who are not assigned to any client project. These employees are said to be “on bench.” Under the new policy, an employee can only stay on bench for 35 business days. After that, action may be taken against them. This is different from the older system, where there was no strict limit on bench time.
TCS has also introduced new conditions. Every employee must complete at least 225 billable days in a financial year. Those who fail to meet this target might be placed under review. Some fear they may even lose their jobs.
The company says the policy is designed to improve productivity. It also wants employees to take responsibility for their own careers. TCS is encouraging people on the bench to spend 4 to 6 hours a day in the office for upskilling. Employees are expected to join training sessions and apply for new projects actively.
Employee Worries
While the company says this policy is fair, many employees feel pressured. Several took to online platforms like Reddit to share their experiences. Some said they were being forced into roles they are not trained for. One employee said, “I was trained in Java, but now they are pushing me into a support role with no connection to my skills.”
Freshers are also concerned. Many of them joined the company thinking they would work in development or coding roles. Instead, they are now being offered support projects or roles outside their expertise.
Others are worried that if they don’t find a project within 35 days, they might be asked to resign or could face termination. Some even claimed they were pressured to refund salaries if they were unable to join projects.
Union Complaints
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES), a tech workers’ union, has taken the issue seriously. They have filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour. The union president, Harpreet Singh Saluja, said, “TCS is using fear and threats. Employees are being forced to accept roles or leave.”
He added that skilled professionals are being treated unfairly. The union said that the policy is “coercive and exploitative.” They want the ministry to step in and investigate.
Company’s Response
TCS has responded by saying the new bench policy is just a formal version of an old process. CEO K. Krithivasan said, “We are just being more structured now. Employees must take charge of their careers.”
The company says this policy helps manage resources better. It also helps place employees in roles where they are needed most.
Industry Impact
This new rule by TCS may set a trend for the entire IT industry. Other companies might follow similar policies. Many IT firms are already reducing bench time due to automation and changing client needs. Skills like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing are now in high demand.
With pressure on profit margins, companies want to keep only billable employees. That means anyone not working on a project is seen as a cost.
Conclusion
The new TCS bench policy is causing anxiety among employees. While the company sees it as a way to improve productivity and resource use, many workers feel stressed and insecure. The coming weeks will show whether the government takes action or if more IT companies introduce similar rules.
For now, TCS employees are watching closely, hoping their concerns will be heard.
