Ex-Infosys Employee’s Viral Post Sparks Debate on Indian IT Work Culture
A Reddit post from an anonymous user claiming to be a former Infosys employee has gone viral, highlighting alleged issues within the company’s work culture, employee compensation, and policies.
The post has sparked a heated discussion about employee welfare in India’s IT sector, where companies face global competition for skilled talent.
The user shared their experience of working at Infosys for nine years, describing their tenure as “silent exploitation.” According to the post, their monthly salary was ₹35,000 when they left the company in 2017. They compared this with their current job at a major IT firm in Bengaluru’s Ecospace, where they earn ₹1.7 lakh — a 400% increase.
Allegations of Underpayment
The Redditor alleged that employees at Infosys were consistently underpaid. They mentioned that former Infosys colleagues who joined their current employer often received an 80–100% salary hike. The user criticised Infosys’ annual salary hikes of 4–6%, which they felt were insufficient to keep up with industry standards.
The post also pointed out issues with promotions at Infosys. According to the user, promotions often occurred within sub-levels, such as from “4B to 4A,” but came without pay hikes or added responsibilities. In contrast, their current company offers promotions with 15–25% salary increases and new responsibilities, providing a clear incentive for employees to grow.
High Employee Costs and Benefits
The user highlighted the high cost of employee benefits at Infosys. For instance, transportation costs were ₹3,200 per month, with parking fees as an additional expense. On the other hand, their current employer offers free transportation. Cafeteria prices were also criticised, with items like fruit juice costing ₹40 at Infosys compared to ₹15–20 at their present workplace, where food is subsidised.
The post noted that such high costs made it difficult for employees to save, even though Infosys is often viewed as a prestigious employer in India’s IT sector.
Rigid Policies and Employee Monitoring
Another major grievance was Infosys’ rigid policies, particularly its 90-day notice period. The user claimed this policy hindered employees from switching jobs, as most companies are unwilling to wait three months for new hires to join. Their current job, by comparison, has a two-month notice period, making transitions easier.
The post also criticised Infosys’ mandatory work-hour tracking system, which reportedly forced employees to visit the office on weekends just to meet attendance requirements. Such practices were described as demotivating and unproductive.
Philanthropy vs. Employee Welfare
The Redditor also alleged that Infosys prioritises philanthropy over employee welfare. They mentioned jokes among employees that the company’s charitable funds could be better used to improve salaries and benefits.
Additionally, the post questioned the idea of job security at Infosys. The user claimed that colleagues who left the company typically found new jobs within 3–5 months, suggesting that Infosys’ reputation as a stable employer might be overstated.
Impact of the Viral Post
The post has garnered significant attention online, with many users sharing their own experiences and opinions about work culture in India’s IT sector. While the claims in the post remain unverified, they have reignited debates about employee welfare, pay scales, and workplace policies in large IT firms like Infosys.
This incident highlights the growing need for Indian IT companies to re-evaluate their work environments and compensation practices. As the industry faces increasing competition for skilled professionals, addressing these issues could be key to retaining top talent and fostering a positive workplace culture.
Conclusion
While Infosys remains a giant in the IT industry, this viral Reddit post sheds light on the challenges faced by employees within the organisation. Whether these claims lead to meaningful changes in India’s IT sector remains to be seen, but they serve as a reminder of the importance of balancing business success with employee satisfaction.
