The recent wave of TCS layoffs has sent shockwaves through India’s IT sector, with employees reporting an environment of fear, confusion, and uncertainty. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services firm, confirmed that nearly 2 percent of its global workforce — over 12,000 jobs — would be cut this year. The move, which the company calls part of its “future-ready strategy,” has sparked heated debate about corporate restructuring, job security, and the human cost of mass layoffs.
Employees Grapple with Forced Resignations
Several employees have described the current situation as unprecedented. Reports reveal that many experienced professionals, some with more than a decade at TCS, are being pressured into resigning.
One former employee, who served TCS for 13 years, shared that he was compelled to resign after enduring months of “harassment” from HR and the Resource Management Group (RMG). Despite resisting, his access was revoked, and he eventually faced termination. He also alleged that the company deducted a significant recovery fee from his dues, leaving him in financial distress.
His story reflects the growing unease among TCS workers caught in this wave of TCS layoffs, where sudden notices and forced exits have become the norm.
What’s Driving the TCS Layoffs?
According to the company’s official statement, the TCS layoffs are part of a broader plan to streamline operations, reduce costs, and adapt to changing client demands. TCS has emphasized its investments in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and automation, stating that workforce restructuring is essential for long-term growth.
The company has framed the decision as part of a reskilling and redeployment initiative, but for thousands of affected employees, the layoffs feel more like an abrupt end to years of loyalty and service.
An Atmosphere of Fear
Current employees have described a climate of anxiety inside TCS offices. Senior staff with 8–10 years of experience are being laid off with little or no notice, and many workers are living in constant fear of being called by HR.
“People are being asked to leave on the spot or within a week,” one employee said. “Entire teams are being dismantled, even those working on cutting-edge technologies.”
This widespread disruption has left ongoing projects in limbo, with clients scaling down contracts and reducing manpower needs. The result is a cycle of uncertainty that has affected not only employees but also project delivery timelines.
The Controversial ‘Fluidity List’
A particularly alarming revelation from affected employees is the existence of a so-called “fluidity list.” This internal list allegedly includes the names of staff members who are next in line for termination. Once on the list, employees are reportedly contacted by HR within 30 days and given a choice: resign voluntarily or face termination.
Such practices have raised concerns about transparency and ethics in corporate layoffs. IT employee unions like the Forum for IT Employees (FITE) and the Union of IT & ITES Employees (UNITE) have already flagged the issue, demanding more humane treatment and accountability from India’s top IT employer.
Human Cost of the TCS Layoffs
Beyond the corporate rationale, the TCS layoffs highlight a deeper issue: the unseen human suffering behind restructuring decisions. Stories of employees hiding their job loss from families, struggling with mental stress, or facing financial burdens are becoming increasingly common.
For many, being laid off from TCS is not just about losing a paycheck but also about losing an identity tied to one of India’s most prestigious IT firms. The psychological and emotional toll is evident, with several workers describing the process as humiliating and traumatic.
What’s Next for TCS and the IT Sector?
Industry analysts suggest that TCS may not be the only IT giant to resort to such measures, as global clients push for cost efficiency amid economic uncertainty. With automation and artificial intelligence reshaping service delivery, traditional roles in IT are increasingly at risk.
For employees, the lesson is clear: reskilling and adaptability are no longer optional. But as the TCS layoffs show, even skilled workers in emerging domains can face the axe when companies prioritize restructuring.
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