Remote work return sparks higher female attrition: Tata Consultancy Services faces gender diversity setback
New Delhi, June 14: The decision by Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. (TCS), India's largest software firm, to end remote work arrangements due to the pandemic has resulted in a higher attrition rate among female employees compared to their male counterparts. This trend is unusual for TCS, as historically, female attrition has either been lower or similar to that of males within the company.
The Chief Human Resources Officer of TCS, Milind Lakkad, stated in the company's annual report that he believes the shift away from remote work disrupted the domestic arrangements for some women, making it challenging for them to return to the office. This setback has hindered TCS's efforts to promote gender diversity, but the company remains committed to addressing the issue.
In recent years, the flexibility of remote work has played a significant role in attracting and retaining talent, particularly women, as it allowed them to balance their work and home responsibilities more effectively in a hybrid environment.
However, the current shift back to in-office work is causing some women to opt out of the workforce, exacerbating the already low female labor force participation rate in India.
According to World Bank data, India's female labor force participation stands at 24 per cent, significantly lower than China's rate of 61 per cent. This disparity poses a risk to India's economic growth, considering that women make up approximately half of the country's population.
Currently, women constitute about 36 per cent of TCS's workforce, and the company is actively working to increase their representation, especially in leadership positions, as stated by Lakkad.
It is crucial to address this issue and find ways to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment for women, both within TCS and across the broader Indian workforce. Promoting gender diversity and enabling work-life balance will be essential in ensuring equal opportunities and fostering sustainable growth in the country.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu minister Senthil Balaji 'weeps in pain' after ED arrest in money laundering case
- With inputs from agencies
