Infosys Lays Off 400 Trainees in Mysuru After Failed Evaluations
Software giant Infosys is currently laying off 400 trainees at its Mysuru campus because they didn't pass their evaluation tests after three tries, according to sources familiar with the matter. These trainees represent about half of those who joined in October 2024.
These trainees had waited two and a half years to be onboarded due to an economic slowdown that caused IT companies' clients to cut project spending.
Infosys said in a statement that after freshers undergo training at their Mysuru campus, they are expected to pass internal assessments. The company says that all freshers get three attempts to pass, but if they don't, they can't continue working there, as stated in their contract. Infosys claims this process has been in place for over two decades to ensure high-quality talent for their clients.
According to sources, the trainees are being called in groups of 50 and asked to sign "mutual separation" letters. One terminated trainee told Moneycontrol that the tests were very difficult and designed to make them fail, causing many to faint as their futures now look uncertain. Sources also say that Infosys has deployed security personnel to ensure that the trainees do not carry mobile phones and the trainees were asked to vacate the premises by 6 PM.
The Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) is filing a complaint with the Ministry of Labour & Employment, demanding immediate intervention and strict action against Infosys. Harpreet Singh Saluja of NITES stated that this corporate exploitation cannot continue, urging the government to protect the rights of Indian IT workers. The trainees were hired as System Engineers (SE) and Digital Specialist Engineers (DSE).
Infosys sent offer letters in 2022 but delayed onboarding due to a slump in the IT industry. Approximately 1,000 freshers from the 2022 campus hires received joining dates in September after initial delays.
How are the trainees reacting to the layoffs?
Trainees are experiencing a range of emotional reactions following the layoffs, including shock, anger, and uncertainty. One terminated trainee reported the tests were very difficult, seemingly designed to cause failure, leading to emotional distress among many trainees. Some may feel resentment towards the new work they now have to assume from displaced workers.Additional reactions to layoffs can include:
- Fear, insecurity, and uncertainty Anxiousness about job security and the future, leading to increased self-absorption.
- Unfairness, distrust, and betrayal Questioning management's credibility and feeling unsafe to express emotions openly.
- Sadness, depression, and guilt Feeling drained, experiencing poor health, sleeplessness, decreased motivation, and guilt about retaining their jobs while colleagues are losing theirs.
- Frustration, resentment, and anger Feeling that anger is an appropriate response. Also, feeling envious of those laid off, perceiving they received generous packages and help finding new jobs.
- Denial Refusing to believe the layoff will actually happen.
- Panic
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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