Genpact has officially clarified that it continues to follow a nine-hour workday, dismissing widespread speculation that the company had implemented a 10-hour shift mandate. The clarification was reported by The Times of India, following rising concerns from employees and industry professionals over extended work schedules.

The clarification arrives after reports from media suggested that the technology and services firm had internally communicated a change to a 10-hour working day nearly three weeks ago, with an expected rollout by mid-June. The proposed shift length was said to include the use of internal monitoring tools to track employee productivity.

According to ET HRWorld, a senior staff member claimed the new policy was not formally communicated, but instead filtered through mid-level managers and supervisors. “The 10-hour policy isn’t even official, but is passed through managers and agents,” the source said, adding that it had led to resignations among experienced staff members. These were reportedly replaced by newer recruits, raising questions around attrition and employee experience.

Several current and former employees expressed concern over the shift expectations, particularly around digital surveillance tools that were reportedly being used to track daily active hours. Critics argue that such practices can erode trust and further strain mental health in hybrid or remote work settings.

HR professionals and employee advocates were also quick to criticise the move, calling it regressive at a time when leading organisations are emphasising work-life balance and psychological safety. “If confirmed, this would be a step backward for an industry that’s already grappling with burnout and disengagement,” said one HR consultant on social media.

The backlash is part of a broader industry reckoning around employee wellbeing, digital productivity metrics, and the future of work norms in India's fast-paced IT and professional services sector.

In light of the concerns, Genpact clarified through a statement to The Times of India that it has not changed its official work policy, which remains nine hours. The company did not confirm the details of the internal communication referenced in the ET report but stressed its commitment to a “balanced and humane work culture.”

The clarification also comes in the wake of a similar advisory from Infosys, which recently discouraged staff from working excessively long hours, especially while working remotely. Infosys urged employees to focus on sustainable productivity and avoid compromising their health for extended screen time or overwork.