Indian IT services major Wipro has significantly tightened its hybrid work policy, making a six-hour daily presence in the office compulsory for three days a week. This move marks a shift from the company's earlier, more flexible approach to remote and hybrid work arrangements.
New Mandatory Office Hours and Compliance Rules
According to a report, Wipro's Human Resources department communicated this policy change to employees via an email, which became effective from January 1. While the company had previously mandated a three-day-a-week office attendance, the new rule specifies a minimum of six hours between the first and last punch-in at the office on those days.
The company clarified that these six hours represent the mandatory office stay, not the total daily working hours, which remain at 9.5 hours. Employees are required to complete the remaining working hours from home on the same day to finish their assigned tasks.
The policy comes with strict compliance measures. If an employee fails to meet the weekly work-from-office mandate, it will affect their leave balance. Specifically, spending less than six hours in the office on a mandated day will result in a half-day deduction from their leave balance.
Reduction in Remote Work Days
This policy revision follows an earlier announcement made in October 2024 by Wipro Chief Human Resources Officer Saurabh Govil. At that time, the company introduced a hybrid model requiring three office days per week but offered an additional 30 days of remote work in a calendar year under specific conditions.
- 15 days for an employee's own illness.
- 15 days for caregiving when a family member is unwell.
The new policy, effective from the start of this year, has reduced this facility. Employees can now avail only 12 days of extra remote work in a year, down from the earlier provision of 15 days for each category.
Emphasis on Collaboration and Flexibility
In its communication, Wipro stated that hybrid working continues to be a cornerstone of its future work model. The company expressed trust that all associates would follow the policy "in both letter and spirit" as it aims to support team collaboration while providing a degree of flexibility.
This move by Wipro is part of a broader trend in the Indian IT sector, where several major firms are encouraging or mandating a more structured return to office to foster in-person teamwork and company culture, balancing it with the flexibility employees have grown accustomed to since the pandemic.
