TCS Sets 35-Day Bench Limit, Ends Remote Work for Unassigned Staff

Mumbai, India, June 17, 2025 – Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT firm, has rolled out a new policy that caps bench time at 35 days and requires unassigned employees to work from the office. Effective June 12, the changes aim to boost efficiency but have sparked mixed feelings among workers. Here’s what’s happening.

New Rules for Employees

The policy is strict:

• Workers must be billable for at least 225 business days a year, leaving only 35 days for bench time, when they’re not on client projects.
• Unassigned staff must now report to the office, ending remote work options during bench periods.
• Employees are urged to upskill using tools like iEvolve and Fresco Play to stay ready for new roles.

The focus is on productivity.

Stable Projects Preferred

TCS wants steady work:

• Short-term project hops are discouraged, with warnings of HR reviews for those who switch too often.
• The goal is longer client engagements to benefit both the company and workers’ growth.
• An employee said, “It’s tough to find stable projects fast, but I get why they want this.”

The shift aims for balance.

Why the Change

The reasons are clear:

• Slower client deals and tight budgets have pushed TCS to maximize worker utilization without layoffs.
• The IT industry faces growth challenges, and TCS wants to stay lean while keeping its 600,000-strong workforce active.
• The policy moves away from pandemic-era flexibility to a traditional office setup.

The company is adapting.

Worker Concerns

Not everyone is on board:

• Some workers worry the 35-day bench cap could lead to job cuts if projects are scarce.
• Others feel it’s unfair to make employees find their own projects, given hiring trends.
• An X post read, “TCS’s new rules add pressure—finding work shouldn’t be just on us.”

The mood is uneasy.

What Employees Can Do

To stay ahead, workers should:

• Track their billable days to hit the 225-day target and avoid career risks.
• Use bench time for training, certifications, and networking with Resource Management Groups.
• Show readiness for projects by staying visible in the office and completing learning modules.

Action is key.

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