TCS’s new policy, employees will become more productive: 225 days will have to be worked on client projects, otherwise the job can be lost

India’s largest IT company Tata Consultancy Services has brought a new rule for its employees. Now only 35 days in a year can be on the bench and the remaining 225 days will have to be worked on client projects. This rule has come into effect from 12 June 2025.

What is this policy after all? What will be its effect on the employees? And why has this strictness been done? Let’s understand in the question-answer…

Question 1: What is this new bench policy of TCS?

Answer: Now every employee will have to work on billable projects at least 225 days in a year. Billable days means the days when the employee is working on a client project and generating revenue for the company. At the same time, one can stay on the bench for only 35 days.

Earlier in TCS, employees could stay on the bench for 6 months. In the IT industry, an employee is considered to be on the “bench” when he or she is not working on a client project. While on the bench, employees must spend 4 to 6 hours a day learning through TCS’ own platforms such as iEvolve, Fresco Play, and VLS.

Complete all required training programs, attend in-person sessions, and update skills regularly. Also, use TCS’ Gen AI interview coach, work on interview feedback, and attend full training programs.

Question 2: What happens if someone is on the bench for more than 35 days?

Answer: If an employee is billable for less than 225 days or is on the bench for more than 35 days, his or her salary, promotion, chances of getting a project abroad, and even the job may be at risk. TCS has clearly stated that being on the bench for a long period of time will lead to “appropriate management action”. It is necessary to remain billable for 225 days.

Question 3: Is it necessary to come to the office?

Answer: Yes. TCS has made work-from-home more strict. Employees who are on the bench are required to come to the office. Work-from-home will be available only in emergency and after the approval of the Resource Management Group (RMG). Flexible timing or exemptions like before will no longer work.

RMG means Resource Management Group, which assigns projects to employees in TCS. This group will now help employees find projects within 35 days. Earlier RMG was not so strict, but now they will work faster so that employees do not remain on the bench for a long time.

Question 4: Is there any change in short-term projects as well?

Answer: TCS has also discouraged short-term projects (of a few months). Taking small projects repeatedly can affect the performance and appraisal of the employee. The company wants employees to work on long and stable projects. If someone goes to the bench repeatedly, HR can investigate it and also take disciplinary action.

Question 5: Why has this policy been introduced?

Answer: TCS has launched this policy to make its workforce more productive. There is strong competition in the IT industry. The demand for projects is changing due to AI and automation. TCS wants its workforce to always be project-ready.

Also, wasting too much time on the bench increases the company’s cost. This policy is to keep employees productive and make the company efficient.

Question 6: What will be its impact on employees?

Answer: It will have both positive and negative impact…

Positive: For employees who work hard, opportunities for upskilling and projects will increase. Updating skills can benefit career growth.

Negative: Those who remain on the bench repeatedly will have increased risk to their salary, promotion, and job. This is especially difficult for employees with new or less in-demand skills.

Question 7: Are other IT companies also doing this?

Answer: Other companies have not done this yet, but with the changing trend, other companies may also bring this policy soon. In companies like Infosys, Wipro, HCL, the bench time is usually 35-45 days. TCS’s policy can become a benchmark for others as well. Due to AI and cost pressure in the industry, companies are now focusing on leaner and project-specific hiring.

Question 8: What will be the impact of this policy on the IT industry?

Answer: This policy can make the IT industry more competitive. There will be increased pressure on employees to constantly update their skills and stay on projects. Job security may be less for those who do not have demanding skills. Also, other companies can also bring such strict policies. In the long term, this could make the industry more productive and AI-ready.