IT Major Genpact’s 10-Hour Workday Announcement Triggers Backlash
Leading IT services firm Genpact has come under fire after mandating a 10-hour workday policy for its employees in India. The decision has sparked widespread backlash on social media platforms, internal forums, and across the broader industry, raising serious concerns about work-life balance, employee rights, and evolving workplace norms in the post-pandemic world.
What Triggered the Controversy?
In early June 2025, Genpact reportedly issued an internal communication announcing a mandatory 10-hour daily work schedule across several business units. This was a shift from the standard 8- to 9-hour structure followed by most IT firms.
The company cited “productivity enhancement” and “global delivery alignment” as reasons behind the new policy. However, the lack of employee consultation and the perceived regressive nature of the policy has drawn sharp criticism.
Employee Reactions and Industry Response
1. Social Media Outcry
Employees, current and former, took to professional networks like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) to voice their frustration. Many criticized the move as a step backward in the modern workplace era where flexibility, remote work, and mental health are increasingly prioritized.
2. HR and Union Concerns
HR experts flagged the move as out of sync with employee well-being trends, especially after the pandemic redefined work-life expectations. IT employee groups and informal unions have also raised concerns over increased burnout, lack of rest periods, and absence of formal negotiation.
3. Competitive Disadvantage
With IT giants like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro focusing on hybrid work models and flexible schedules, Genpact's decision could lead to talent attrition, especially among younger professionals seeking better work-life integration.
Legal and Ethical Questions
While Indian labor law permits longer work hours under certain conditions, mandatory 10-hour days may breach state-level Shops and Establishment Acts, unless proper compensatory mechanisms or approvals are in place.
The broader concern is ethical—should companies unilaterally increase working hours without employee consensus?
What’s at Stake for Genpact?
Brand Perception: Genpact risks damaging its employer branding at a time when workplace culture significantly influences hiring.
Employee Retention: Dissatisfaction may lead to higher attrition and lower morale, impacting productivity.
Client Delivery: Ironically, the policy meant to enhance productivity could face backlash that disrupts delivery timelines if morale dips.
FAQs – Genpact 10-Hour Workday Policy
Q1: Why did Genpact announce a 10-hour workday?
Genpact cited productivity goals and global client alignment as the key reasons behind the move.
Q2: Is the 10-hour workday legal in India?
Yes, but it must comply with labor laws and state-specific regulations, which require approval for extended work hours and appropriate compensation.
Q3: How are employees reacting to this policy?
Many have criticized it on social media and internal platforms, citing mental health concerns, burnout risk, and a lack of work-life balance.
Q4: Could this impact Genpact’s ability to attract talent?
Yes. In an industry that values flexibility, such a policy may deter potential hires and push current employees to seek alternatives.
Q5: Are other IT companies following similar practices?
No major Indian IT firm has publicly adopted a similar 10-hour policy. Most continue to support flexible or hybrid models.
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