TCS Layoffs: In the world of corporate life, nothing feels more unsettling than the sudden loss of job security. For thousands of employees at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services firm, that fear has now turned into reality. Nearly two months after TCS confirmed that it would let go of around 2 per cent of its global workforce amounting to more than 12,000 jobs reports of “forced resignations” and “mental harassment” are now surfacing, exposing the unseen human suffering behind the numbers.
Forced to resign A loyal employee’s painful account
For Rohan (name changed), a 35 year old who devoted 13 years of his career to TCS since joining as a campus recruit, the experience was nothing short of heartbreaking. After completing long term projects, he found himself struggling to secure new assignments in a slowing market. Months on the “bench” invited constant calls from HR and the Resource Management Group (RMG), with accusations of “moonlighting” and threats of inquiries.
They tortured me for five months, making life feel like hell,” Rohan told Moneycontrol. Eventually, his employment was terminated, despite his refusal to resign. Adding to the distress, he was asked to pay a recovery fee of Rs6–8 lakhs for his bench period. While TCS settled half of the amount through his gratuity and leave encashments, the rest had to be cleared by the company itself.
Today, Rohan hides his reality from his family, living with a friend in Pune as he searches desperately for a new job. “I couldn’t tell my wife and kids back home. I just don’t have the heart to,” he said.
Fear spreads across TCS offices
The layoffs have not only affected those who lost their jobs but also created an atmosphere of fear among those who remain. Current employees describe a tense environment where no one knows “who gets the call next.” Seniors with over a decade of experience are being asked to leave with little or no notice period, while some teams are reportedly being dissolved entirely.
One employee shared, “Even those working on new technologies are being laid off. Some ongoing projects have been affected, as clients are cutting costs, leaving TCS with fewer roles to fill.”
Adding to the anxiety is a so called “fluidity list,” a confidential record allegedly used by managers to identify employees at risk. According to reports, staff placed on this list are given thirty days to resign voluntarily or face termination.
Why TCS is downsizing
In July, TCS stated that the layoffs were part of its wider transformation strategy to stay “future ready.” The company emphasized its focus on reskilling, AI adoption, and market realignment. “As part of this journey, we will also be releasing associates whose deployment may not be feasible,” the company said, confirming that around 2 per cent of its global workforce primarily mid to senior level staff would be impacted this year.
Unions raise concerns
Employee unions, including the Forum for IT Employees (FITE) and Union of IT and ITES Employees (UNITE), have expressed alarm at the manner of these layoffs. They allege that forced resignations violate employee rights and demand greater transparency in the process.
For now, uncertainty looms large within India’s IT giant. While TCS pushes ahead with its strategy to reshape its workforce, the untold stories of emotional and financial suffering continue to ripple across the lives of those suddenly left behind.
Disclaimer: This article is based on media reports and employee testimonies. Independent verification of all claims has not been conducted. Readers are advised to view the information in this context.
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