Cognizant Technology Solutions, a leading global IT services company, has officially announced a shift in its work policy for Indian employees, signaling a move away from the pandemic-induced remote working model. According to an internal memo, Cognizant expects its Indian workforce to work from the office at least three times a week. This decision aligns with the company’s strategy to foster better collaboration and a stronger sense of company culture among its employees.
Ravi Kumar S, Cognizant’s CEO, specified in the memo that the expectation for Indian associates is to be present in the office “an average of three days per week, or as defined by their team leader.” The memo highlights the importance of utilizing office time for activities that greatly benefit from in-person interaction, such as collaborative projects, training, and team-building initiatives.
Cognizant is also set to introduce a new hybrid-work scheduling app in India. This tool is designed to assist managers in coordinating schedules and reserving office space for their teams, ensuring a smooth transition to the hybrid model. This development is part of Cognizant’s broader commitment to adapting to the future of work and expanding its presence in Tier-2 cities across India, where a significant portion of its associates resides.
The policy change comes as the IT sector at large revisits its remote work arrangements, with major players like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro implementing similar return-to-office policies. Cognizant’s move is indicative of a growing trend among IT firms to recalibrate their work models in the post-pandemic era, balancing the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration.
