TCS New Bench Policy

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India’s largest IT service providers, has recently introduced a new bench policy that has sparked significant discussion among employees and industry experts alike. If you’re new to the concept of IT workforce management, this article breaks down everything you need to understand about the TCS New Bench Policy in a beginner-friendly way.

About TCS

TCS (Tata Consultancy Services) is a global IT services, consulting, and business solutions company headquartered in Mumbai, India. With over 600,000 employees worldwide, TCS plays a major role in the global IT outsourcing industry. The company provides software development, infrastructure support, consulting, and digital transformation services to top clients across various domains.

What is a TCS Bench Policy?

In IT companies, a “bench” refers to employees who are currently not assigned to any active project. These employees are typically waiting for their next assignment. A bench policy outlines how long employees can remain unassigned, what they can do during that time, and the procedures for reallocation or exit if no projects are assigned within a specific time frame.

• The new policy imposes stricter timelines for employees on the bench.
• Employees must find a billable project within 14 to 30 days, depending on their level and location.
• Failure to get deployed on a project within the stipulated time can result in exit from the company.
• Internal job postings (IJPs) and reskilling initiatives are provided, but employees feel timelines are tight.
• Performance and engagement during the bench period are being monitored more rigorously.

 

Why TCS Introduced the New Policy

The global IT landscape is rapidly changing with rising competition, cost pressures, and the increasing demand for skilled, billable resources. To remain competitive and maintain healthy utilization rates, TCS has tightened its bench policy to ensure faster redeployment and reduce operational costs tied to unbilled employees.

Employee Reactions

• Shorter timelines create anxiety about job security, especially in a tight job market.
• Some employees may struggle to quickly find suitable projects, especially those with niche skills or senior roles.
• The pressure to reskill rapidly and secure internal interviews within weeks can be overwhelming.
• Lack of clarity and inconsistent implementation have caused confusion and frustration.

Many current and former TCS employees have taken to social media to express concerns. Some feel that the policy doesn’t account for the time needed to upskill or the availability of projects in specific domains. Others worry about increased attrition and low morale due to uncertainty and stress.

Analysts say the move reflects a larger trend in the IT sector to become leaner and more efficient. However, they caution that aggressive bench management can affect employee trust and long-term retention, especially among experienced professionals.

Top FAQs

• What is a bench in IT companies?
  A bench is a state where an employee is not currently assigned to any project but remains employed by the company.
• How long can you stay on the bench at TCS under the new policy?
  Employees must get assigned to a project within 14 to 30 days, depending on their role and level.
• What happens if I don’t get a project within the bench period?
  You may be asked to exit the company if you are unable to find a billable project within the timeline.
• Can I apply for projects internally during bench time?
  Yes, TCS provides access to Internal Job Postings (IJPs) and encourages reskilling and redeployment.
• Is this policy final or will it evolve?
  The policy is currently in implementation, but like all HR policies, it may be refined based on employee feedback and business needs.

 

More information:

• https://www.tcs.com/home-page