The Shifting Sands of Employment: Layoffs and Long Hours in the IT and Banking Sectors
May 2, 2025, 5:29 pm
The landscape of employment is shifting. Layoffs in the IT sector and grueling hours in banking are reshaping the workforce. Companies like Infosys and Robert W. Baird are at the forefront of this change. The IT giant Infosys recently made headlines by cutting 195 trainee jobs in Mysuru. This is part of a larger trend. Since February 2025, the company has laid off 800 employees due to failed internal assessments. The pressure to perform is palpable. New hires are feeling the heat.
Infosys, India's second-largest IT firm, has a strict policy. Freshers who do not meet the qualifying criteria are shown the door. The company maintains that this is necessary for maintaining standards. However, the human cost is significant. Many trainees, after months of training, find themselves without a job.
The layoffs are not just numbers. They represent dreams dashed and futures uncertain. In response, many of the affected trainees are seeking refuge in upskilling programs. About 250 have enrolled in courses offered by UpGrad and NIIT. These programs aim to enhance their skills and improve employability. Infosys is also offering a 12-week training program for those interested in business process management roles. This is a small lifeline in turbulent waters.
Meanwhile, the banking sector is facing its own challenges. At Robert W. Baird, junior bankers are working grueling hours. Reports indicate that 110-hour work weeks are common. The firm recently hosted a pizza party, but it was not a celebration. Instead, it was a warning. Managers told employees they needed to "do better."
The culture of overwork is alarming. One banker collapsed at home after working excessively long hours. Doctors found his pancreas had failed, likely due to the stress. Instead of support, he faced termination for poor performance. This is a stark reminder of the human toll of corporate demands.
The pressure cooker environment is not unique to Baird. Many firms across Wall Street have similar expectations. Employees are often pushed to their limits. A former analyst at Baird recounted working on a deal for an entire year, often overnight. The expectation to be constantly available is suffocating.
The sentiment around work hours is changing. While some leaders advocate for long hours, many employees are pushing back. In India, for instance, a significant majority believe that 12-hour workdays are impractical. Long commutes add to the burden, making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
The contrast between the IT and banking sectors is striking. In IT, layoffs are a harsh reality. In banking, the culture of overwork is pervasive. Both sectors are grappling with the consequences of their practices. Employees are feeling the strain.
As companies like Infosys and Baird navigate these challenges, the question remains: what is the future of work? Will firms continue to prioritize performance over well-being? Or will they adapt to the changing landscape and embrace a healthier work culture?
The answer is not clear. However, one thing is certain: the workforce is evolving. Employees are becoming more vocal about their needs. They are seeking better conditions and support. Companies that fail to adapt may find themselves at a disadvantage.
In the face of layoffs and long hours, resilience is key. Workers are learning to pivot. Upskilling programs are becoming a lifeline for those affected by layoffs. Meanwhile, in the banking sector, employees are sharing their experiences and advocating for change.
The tides are turning. The traditional notions of work are being challenged. As the dust settles, it is crucial for companies to listen. The future of work depends on it.
In conclusion, the employment landscape is fraught with challenges. Layoffs in IT and the culture of overwork in banking are reshaping the workforce. Companies must adapt to these changes. They must prioritize employee well-being alongside performance. The road ahead may be rocky, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and transformation. The future is unwritten, and it is up to both employers and employees to shape it.
Infosys, India's second-largest IT firm, has a strict policy. Freshers who do not meet the qualifying criteria are shown the door. The company maintains that this is necessary for maintaining standards. However, the human cost is significant. Many trainees, after months of training, find themselves without a job.
The layoffs are not just numbers. They represent dreams dashed and futures uncertain. In response, many of the affected trainees are seeking refuge in upskilling programs. About 250 have enrolled in courses offered by UpGrad and NIIT. These programs aim to enhance their skills and improve employability. Infosys is also offering a 12-week training program for those interested in business process management roles. This is a small lifeline in turbulent waters.
Meanwhile, the banking sector is facing its own challenges. At Robert W. Baird, junior bankers are working grueling hours. Reports indicate that 110-hour work weeks are common. The firm recently hosted a pizza party, but it was not a celebration. Instead, it was a warning. Managers told employees they needed to "do better."
The culture of overwork is alarming. One banker collapsed at home after working excessively long hours. Doctors found his pancreas had failed, likely due to the stress. Instead of support, he faced termination for poor performance. This is a stark reminder of the human toll of corporate demands.
The pressure cooker environment is not unique to Baird. Many firms across Wall Street have similar expectations. Employees are often pushed to their limits. A former analyst at Baird recounted working on a deal for an entire year, often overnight. The expectation to be constantly available is suffocating.
The sentiment around work hours is changing. While some leaders advocate for long hours, many employees are pushing back. In India, for instance, a significant majority believe that 12-hour workdays are impractical. Long commutes add to the burden, making it difficult to maintain a work-life balance.
The contrast between the IT and banking sectors is striking. In IT, layoffs are a harsh reality. In banking, the culture of overwork is pervasive. Both sectors are grappling with the consequences of their practices. Employees are feeling the strain.
As companies like Infosys and Baird navigate these challenges, the question remains: what is the future of work? Will firms continue to prioritize performance over well-being? Or will they adapt to the changing landscape and embrace a healthier work culture?
The answer is not clear. However, one thing is certain: the workforce is evolving. Employees are becoming more vocal about their needs. They are seeking better conditions and support. Companies that fail to adapt may find themselves at a disadvantage.
In the face of layoffs and long hours, resilience is key. Workers are learning to pivot. Upskilling programs are becoming a lifeline for those affected by layoffs. Meanwhile, in the banking sector, employees are sharing their experiences and advocating for change.
The tides are turning. The traditional notions of work are being challenged. As the dust settles, it is crucial for companies to listen. The future of work depends on it.
In conclusion, the employment landscape is fraught with challenges. Layoffs in IT and the culture of overwork in banking are reshaping the workforce. Companies must adapt to these changes. They must prioritize employee well-being alongside performance. The road ahead may be rocky, but it is also filled with opportunities for growth and transformation. The future is unwritten, and it is up to both employers and employees to shape it.