TCS COO Says Remote Work Can’t Help An Organisation Build A Great Culture: Report

Subramaniam observed that remote work impeded the organisation's capacity to foster a cohesive culture and maintain a strong talent pool

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has reportedly extended the deadline for employees to return to the office by another quarter. The company has now set the end of March as the final deadline for employees to resume office work, according to a recent report in the Economic Times. NG Subramaniam, the Chief Operating Officer, cautioned in an interview with ET that there would be repercussions for those who fail to return to the office by this deadline.

Subramaniam also outlined several reasons behind this final ultimatum. He underscored two main concerns: work culture and security. He voiced that remote work increased the vulnerability to cyberattacks for employees and employers. Emphasising the significance of resuming office operations, he stressed the necessity of preserving TCS' original culture, which had been undermined by the absence of in-person interaction during the pandemic.

Moreover, Subramaniam observed that remote work impeded the organisation's capacity to foster a cohesive culture and maintain a strong talent pool. He also emphasised the crucial role of face-to-face interactions in leadership decisions and the company's growth.

"We are very clear that we have to get our original culture back. Around 40,000 employees joined us online and quit online without any offline interaction during the pandemic, and that kind of situation cannot be helpful to an organisation,” Subramaniam said.

"We are not in a business where employees use TCS as a launch pad. Remote working cannot help an organisation build a great culture. We are exercising patience but have taken a principled stand that employees have to get back to offices. We have sent employees the final communication on this, and if they do not, there will be consequences to face," he said, as per the report.

In line with Subramaniam's views, TCS' HR Head, Milind Lakkad, reaffirmed the company's objective to restore regular operations by the end of the fiscal year as employees shift back to office environments.