Article Today, New Delhi:
Leading Indian IT companies, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys, are facing criticism for allegedly denying employees leave during Diwali while granting time off for Christmas and Western holidays. Employees have taken to social media to express discontent, calling the policy discriminatory and reflective of cultural bias within corporate structures.
Unequal Holiday Policies
According to reports, employees at TCS were informed that no leave would be sanctioned during the Diwali week, with managers instructing teams to remain available at all times. Screenshots from internal chats shared online show managers emphasizing mandatory availability, citing client requirements. Employees have argued that while Western holidays like Christmas are readily approved, Indian festivals are treated as routine workdays.
Western Holidays, Indian Pressures
Many employees have highlighted the contrasting approach toward holidays. During December, several international clients observe long breaks, allowing Indian employees to take leave easily. However, during Diwali, companies insist on continuous operations under the pretext of client expectations. Critics say this reflects an imbalance in how Indian culture is valued in the global IT ecosystem. Some workers have likened it to “modern corporate servitude,” claiming that Indian professionals are being treated as second-class participants in global operations.
Similar Concerns at Infosys
Employees from Infosys have raised similar complaints. Despite being entitled to 15–20 days of paid leave annually, workers say approvals are often withdrawn or denied around major Indian festivals due to project deadlines. The standard 11 public holidays and two optional leaves, they note, are insufficient to accommodate cultural and regional observances. This lack of flexibility, according to employees, disrupts work-life balance and affects morale during important family occasions.
Reports of Managerial Pressure
In addition to leave restrictions, several employees allege undue pressure from their managers to continue working even during illness. A Reddit post claimed that some supervisors instructed unwell employees to join virtual calls or delegate tasks to teammates to ensure deliverables were met. These incidents have raised concerns about workplace empathy and the erosion of humane employment practices in the IT sector.
Debate Over Work-Life Balance
The controversy has reignited debate over the broader issue of work-life balance in India’s technology industry. Experts point out that as companies serve global clients, they must also respect domestic cultural contexts and employee well-being. With growing discussions around mental health and burnout in the IT workforce, calls for reforming leave policies are gaining momentum.
Calls for Corporate Accountability
Employee unions and advocacy groups have urged IT firms to review their leave frameworks and align them with inclusive, culturally sensitive practices. They argue that respecting Indian festivals is essential for building equitable and sustainable workplace cultures. As the debate continues, industry observers say that how companies respond to these concerns will shape their credibility among India’s growing young workforce.
