Bengaluru: In a recent development, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) informed candidates that their onboarding will be contingent upon business requirements, leaving approximately 650 lateral hires in a state of uncertainty.These individuals, who possess varying levels of experience, were initially scheduled to join the company between July and September. However, due to delays in project commencement dates, their onboarding was postponed. The affected candidates expressed concerns, particularly those who already resigned from their previous positions, leaving them in professional limbo. TCS, in a communication reviewed by the Times of India, assured candidates that the company remains committed to honouring the job offers and will proceed with onboarding as soon as the need arises. “We can confirm that, as always, TCS is committed to honour all offers we made, whether it is to freshers or experienced professionals. Everyone who received an offer from TCS will be onboarded. The joining dates are decided as per business demand and, in some cases, they do get adjusted to meet our business needs. We remain in continuous touch with all candidates in these cases and look forward to them joining our company soon,” the company said in response to TOI’s queries. Many employees say that there is no response from the HR SPOCs (single point of contact) they are dealing with for the onboarding. In some cases, the HR department told candidates that their background verification is still ongoing and the new dates for onboarding will be communicated soon. This situation is reminiscent of a previous instance where TCS, along with other IT service companies, delayed the onboarding of fresh graduates. The initial surge in demand for IT services during the Covid-19 pandemic led to over-hiring. However, subsequent global events, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and economic recessionary pressures, prompted these companies to pause the onboarding process. In June, TCS implemented a significant change to its bench policy, requiring associates to secure a project within 35 days if they found themselves on the bench. Failure to do so could result in severe consequences, including termination. This move was seen as a response to the fluctuating demand for IT services and the need for the company to optimise its workforce. The current delay in onboarding lateral hires highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the IT industry in balancing workforce management with fluctuating project demands. While TCS reassured candidates of its commitment to their employment, the uncertainty left many in a precarious position, particularly those who already severed ties with their previous employers. As the situation unfolds, TCS’s approach to managing its workforce and project demands will be closely watched by industry peers and potential employees alike, serving as a barometer for the broader IT services sector’s response to ongoing global challenges.
