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Wipro Mandates Minimum Six Hours in Office
IT services giant Wipro is implementing a stricter work-from-office policy starting January 1, 2026. The Bengaluru-based company, employing approximately 234,000 individuals, will require employees to spend a minimum of six hours physically present in the office on designated workdays. This requirement is measured by entry and exit punches.
The firm currently operates on a hybrid model, mandating three days per week in the office. The new stipulation adds a detailed time commitment beyond just attendance, aiming to bolster collaboration and operational efficiency. Employees failing to meet the six-hour minimum on a mandated day will face a half-day leave deduction.
Reduced Remote Work Flexibility
Wipro is also curtailing temporary remote working options. The annual allowance for remote days has been lowered from 15 to 12. These days are intended for personal needs such as health issues or caregiving responsibilities.
The company communicated these changes via an internal email, emphasizing that hybrid work remains integral to its future strategy. Wipro stated its trust that associates will adhere to the policy to foster collaboration while retaining flexibility. The six-hour duration pertains solely to office presence, not the total daily working hours, which remain 9.5 hours. Employees are expected to complete the remaining work from home.
Industry-Wide Shift Towards Office Presence
This policy update occurs as the $283 billion Indian IT industry navigates sluggish growth and the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence. Industry experts suggest that tighter project timelines and the imperative for closer team coordination are pushing tech companies to increase in-office work.
Companies like Tata Consultancy Services have already mandated five-day office attendance, linking variable pay to attendance. Infosys requires employees at junior levels to work from the office at least 10 days a month. The trend signals a recalibration of flexible work arrangements as the sector adapts to new technological paradigms and competitive pressures.