Infosys, one of India’s leading IT giants, has rolled out a comprehensive work-life balance policy aimed at fostering a healthier, more sustainable workplace for its more than 320,000 employees. This move comes at a time when workplace stress, mental health, and employee well-being are at the forefront of national conversations, especially within India’s fast-paced technology sector. The company’s new initiative actively discourages excessive working hours, particularly in remote work settings, and places a renewed emphasis on personal well-being alongside professional achievement.
The policy’s launch is especially significant in the context of ongoing debates about work culture in India’s corporate sector. Infosys has chosen to prioritize employee health and happiness, sending a clear message that long-term productivity and organizational success are best achieved through balance, not burnout. The company’s HR department is now closely monitoring work hours, sending personalized advisories to staff who exceed prescribed limits, and encouraging open communication about workload and stress.
Structured Work Schedules and Mindful Practices
9.15 Hours a Day, Five Days a Week
At the heart of Infosys’s new work-life balance policy is a structured work schedule: employees are expected to work 9.15 hours a day, five days a week. This framework is designed to prevent the gradual extension of work hours that often occurs in remote and hybrid work models. The HR department tracks remote working hours monthly, and staff who consistently exceed the standard schedule receive notifications outlining their work patterns and offering guidance on healthier practices.
These advisories are supportive in nature, acknowledging employee dedication but urging caution against sustained overwork. Employees are encouraged to take regular breaks, communicate with managers if overwhelmed, delegate tasks as needed, and minimize work-related interactions during off-hours. The policy also reminds staff that maintaining a balanced schedule is crucial for both personal well-being and long-term professional growth.
Hybrid Work and Office Attendance
Since late 2023, Infosys has required employees to be present in the office for at least 10 days each month, while the rest of the time can be spent working remotely. This hybrid model aims to combine the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, all while safeguarding against the health risks associated with prolonged sedentary routines and irregular hours.
Wellness Initiatives and Employee Support
HALE and Infy Ikigai: A Culture of Wellness
Infosys’s commitment to employee well-being extends beyond work-hour monitoring. The company has pioneered several wellness initiatives, including the HALE (Health Assessment and Lifestyle Enrichment) program, which promotes physical and mental health, safety, and leisure as integral parts of the work experience. HALE has been recognized for its positive impact on reducing stress and improving productivity.
Another key initiative is Infy Ikigai, which encourages employees to step away from daily pressures, set digital boundaries, and focus on self-care. The program includes no-meeting days, wellness hours, automation of repetitive tasks, and expert-led sessions on resilience, stress management, and mental health. Managers are trained to recognize signs of burnout and support their teams in maintaining healthy boundaries.
Women’s Wellness and Peer Support
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women employees, Infosys has created the Women Samaritans Network—a peer-to-peer counseling platform addressing dual responsibilities at home and work. The company also offers digital counseling, virtual wellness coaching, and real-time support networks to ensure all employees, regardless of gender or location, have access to the resources they need.
Addressing Health Risks and National Debate
Responding to Rising Health Concerns
Infosys’s policy comes against the backdrop of rising reports of health issues among young IT professionals, including cardiac ailments linked to erratic work and lifestyle habits. Health experts have warned that chronic stress and long hours can have serious consequences, especially for younger workers who may not display traditional risk factors. Infosys’s proactive approach—encouraging regular breaks, healthy routines, and open dialogue about workload—is seen as a necessary response to these growing concerns.
Aligning with Employee Priorities
Recent trends reveal that Indian workers in 2025 are placing greater emphasis on family time and personal well-being over career advancement, with a majority seeking better work-life balance. Infosys’s new policy aligns with these shifting priorities, offering job stability, fair benefits, and opportunities for professional growth without sacrificing health or happiness.
Infosys’s new work-life balance policy is expected to have a ripple effect across India’s IT industry, encouraging other companies to adopt similar measures that prioritize employee health and well-being. As competition for talent intensifies, organizations are recognizing that sustainable work environments are key to attracting and retaining skilled professionals. Infosys’s approach—combining structured work hours, wellness programs, and hybrid work flexibility—could serve as a model for peers aiming to create more humane and productive workplaces.
The emphasis on mental health within Infosys’s wellness initiatives is particularly noteworthy. By integrating counseling services, stress management workshops, and peer support networks, the company is addressing issues that have long been stigmatized in Indian corporate culture. This holistic approach not only helps employees cope with day-to-day pressures but also fosters a culture where mental well-being is openly discussed and supported, breaking down barriers and encouraging early intervention.
Infosys’s hybrid work model, requiring a minimum number of in-office days, strikes a balance between flexibility and collaboration. This approach helps maintain team cohesion and innovation while giving employees the freedom to manage their work-life boundaries. Many employees have reported improved job satisfaction and productivity, attributing these gains to the ability to work remotely without losing connection to their teams. The model also supports urban decongestion and reduces commuting stress, contributing to overall quality of life.
Employee Reactions and Industry Impact
Supportive Feedback and Constructive Criticism
Initial reactions from Infosys employees have been largely positive, with many appreciating the company’s focus on wellness and the flexibility offered by the hybrid model. Reviews highlight the good work environment, opportunities for growth, and collaborative culture fostered by the new policy. However, some staff have expressed concerns about persistent overtime in certain roles, particularly in overseas operations, and have called for more robust enforcement of work-hour limits.
Setting a Benchmark for the IT Sector
Infosys’s move is being closely watched by other IT giants and industry leaders, many of whom are grappling with similar challenges around employee burnout and retention. By formalizing work-life balance policies and investing in wellness programs, Infosys is setting a benchmark that could influence workplace norms across India’s tech sector and beyond.
The Road Ahead: Building a Sustainable Work Culture
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Infosys’s HR teams will continue to monitor work patterns and gather feedback through regular surveys, focus groups, and direct communication with staff. The company has pledged to refine its policies as needed, ensuring that employee voices are heard and that work-life balance remains a core value.
Empowering Employees for the Future
As the workplace continues to evolve, Infosys’s work-life balance policy is designed to empower employees to achieve both professional success and personal fulfillment. By prioritizing health, flexibility, and open communication, the company hopes to create a resilient, motivated workforce ready to meet the challenges of the digital age.
The company’s focus on women’s wellness through dedicated programs and support groups reflects a growing awareness of gender-specific challenges in the workplace. By providing tailored resources and fostering an inclusive environment, Infosys is helping women navigate the dual demands of career and family. This initiative is expected to improve retention rates among female employees and promote gender diversity in leadership roles, aligning with broader societal goals of equality and empowerment.
Infosys’s transparent communication about work expectations and wellness resources has been praised for building trust between management and employees. Regular updates, open forums, and feedback mechanisms ensure that staff feel heard and valued. This transparency is crucial in maintaining morale and preventing burnout, as employees understand that their well-being is a priority and that support is readily available when needed.
The company’s investment in technology to monitor work hours and flag excessive workloads demonstrates a proactive stance on preventing overwork. By leveraging data analytics and AI tools, Infosys can identify patterns that may lead to employee fatigue and intervene early. This data-driven approach allows for personalized support and helps managers allocate resources more effectively, ensuring that teams remain balanced and sustainable.
Looking ahead, Infosys plans to expand its wellness programs and refine its policies based on employee feedback and emerging best practices. The company is exploring partnerships with healthcare providers, mental health experts, and wellness startups to offer more comprehensive support. As the nature of work continues to evolve, Infosys’s commitment to fostering a healthy, balanced workplace positions it as a leader in shaping the future of work in India.
As Infosys’s work-life balance policy continues to gain traction, employees are expressing a renewed sense of loyalty and motivation, citing the company’s genuine concern for their holistic well-being as a key reason for their engagement and performance. This positive sentiment is reflected in internal surveys and public forums, where staff share stories of improved family time, better health, and greater job satisfaction.
The company’s leadership believes that by fostering an environment where employees feel supported both personally and professionally, Infosys is not only enhancing productivity but also building a resilient, future-ready workforce that can adapt to the evolving demands of the global tech industry.
Follow: Narayana Murthy
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