In a significant move that has sparked widespread discussion across the IT sector, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has reportedly frozen anniversary appraisals for employees who have not complied with the company’s work-from-office (WFO) policy. The decision underlines TCS’s firm stance on returning employees to physical offices as part of its post-pandemic workforce strategy.
TCS Tightens Work-From-Office Rules
According to internal communications and reports, TCS has linked eligibility for anniversary-based salary increments to adherence to its mandatory office attendance norms. Employees who fail to meet the prescribed number of in-office days are said to be facing delays or freezes in their appraisal cycles.
TCS had earlier announced a structured return-to-office plan, requiring employees to work from office for a specified number of days each week. The latest move signals stricter enforcement of these guidelines.
Anniversary Appraisals Put on Hold
Unlike annual appraisals, anniversary appraisals are tied to an employee’s date of joining and play a crucial role in incremental pay hikes. With these appraisals now reportedly frozen for non-compliance, affected employees could see a direct impact on their salary growth.
Sources indicate that the freeze is not performance-related but purely based on attendance and policy adherence, making it a compliance-driven decision rather than a productivity assessment.
Employee Reactions and Industry Impact
The move has drawn mixed reactions from employees. While some see it as a necessary step to bring operational discipline and collaboration back to offices, others argue that it undermines flexibility and ignores the proven success of hybrid and remote work models.
Industry experts note that TCS’s decision could influence other IT majors, many of whom are also struggling to balance employee preferences with organizational demands for in-person collaboration, data security, and client requirements.
Why TCS Is Pushing Office Attendance
TCS leadership has consistently emphasized that in-office work enhances teamwork, innovation, and learning, especially for young professionals. The company believes physical presence is critical for maintaining company culture and delivering long-term value to clients.
By linking appraisals to WFO compliance, TCS appears to be sending a clear message that office attendance is no longer optional but a core part of employment expectations.
What Employees Can Expect Next
While TCS has not issued a detailed public statement on the appraisal freeze, employees are advised to align with the company’s attendance policies to avoid further career or compensation-related implications. It remains to be seen whether the company will introduce flexibility or exemptions in special cases.
The decision to freeze anniversary appraisals for work-from-office non-compliance marks a decisive shift in TCS’s workforce management approach. As India’s largest IT services firm takes a tougher stand, the move could reshape how employee policies are enforced across the broader IT industry in the months ahead.
