Author: Asher J

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has encouraged employees to make artificial intelligence (AI) an essential part of their everyday tasks, signalling a stronger push for company-wide AI adoption. Speaking at an internal all-hands meeting—details of which later surfaced through media reports—Huang emphasised that AI should be embedded across workflows, from software development to product innovation. He described AI not as a threat, but as a tool that can significantly boost productivity and open new opportunities. Huang reportedly questioned why some managers continued to discourage AI usage, noting that such restrictions run counter to the company’s direction at a time when AI…

HP Inc. has announced plans to reduce its global workforce by 4,000 to 6,000 employees by 2028 as part of efforts to streamline operations, boost productivity, and accelerate product development. The reductions will primarily affect teams in product development, internal operations, and customer support. CEO Enrique Lores stated that the cuts are expected to save the company approximately $1 billion in gross run rate over three years. The move comes amid rising demand for AI-enabled PCs, increasing memory chip costs, and intensifying competition in the consumer electronics sector. Earlier this year, HP had reduced about 2,000 positions globally and indicated…

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is facing criticism following allegations that employees, including those with as little as two years of service, have been asked to resign based on internal assessments. The concerns were raised by the Forum For IT Employees (FITE), which claims that these exams are being used to determine job security rather than evaluate skills. FITE highlighted cases where employees, including a woman denied alimony due to her employment at TCS, were reportedly dismissed after failing the assessments. The forum said the evaluation process lacks transparency and imposes a high passing threshold of 70–80%, which many employees consider…

Bank unions have renewed their demand for stronger job security and better working conditions following the implementation of the government’s four new Labour Codes, which replace 29 earlier labour laws. During a recent meeting with the Financial Services Secretary, representatives of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) urged the Centre to prioritise permanent employment over contractual hiring, stating that stable jobs are essential for ensuring fair benefits, safer workplaces, and long-term social-security protection. In the meeting, union representatives highlighted several pending issues affecting banking sector employees. They reiterated their long-standing request for a five-day banking week, saying the measure…

A recent incident involving a Mumbai-based employee of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has drawn attention to workplace rights and the role of labour authorities in resolving employment disputes. The case became public after the employee approached the Labour Office, alleging that the company declined to release his gratuity. According to information shared by employee advocacy groups, the individual had completed seven years of service at TCS and claimed he was asked to resign while attending to his father, who was in the intensive care unit. Despite having available leave balance, the resignation was reportedly obtained during this period. Following the…

The Supreme Court of New Zealand has ruled that Uber drivers should be recognised as employees rather than independent contractors, marking a significant decision for the country’s gig economy workforce. The case originated when four Uber drivers — Julian Ang, Mea’ole Keil, Nureddin Abdurahman and Praful “Bill” Rama — challenged their employment status. In October 2022, the Employment Court found that the drivers were not operating independent businesses but were instead working within Uber’s business model. The court noted that Uber controlled key aspects of the service, including pricing, marketing, and service standards. Uber appealed the ruling, arguing that the…

As workplaces across the world confront the evolving dynamics of long hours, remote work, and increasing performance pressure, experts are warning about the dangers of extreme overwork—an issue long recognized in Japan under the term “Karōshi,” meaning death from overwork. Though the term originated in the 1970s, Karōshi has re-emerged as a global conversation starter, highlighting the urgent need for healthier work–life balance policies, especially in high-pressure sectors such as technology, finance, manufacturing, and the gig economy. What is Karōshi? Karōshi refers to sudden death—often from heart attack, stroke, or severe mental stress—triggered by excessive working hours. In Japan, several…

Epson has introduced a new programme aimed at enhancing robotics education for engineering students in India by providing practical, industry-oriented training alongside classroom learning. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic curricula and the skill requirements of modern manufacturing. Siva Kumar, senior general manager, sales and marketing, Epson India, said the company aims to equip upcoming engineers with the tools and exposure needed to succeed in an evolving industrial landscape. He noted that partnerships with academic institutions and the internship initiative are intended to help students gain confidence through hands-on experience. Epson expects more than 100 students…

Zepto has temporarily paused operations at about 200 of its 600 Zepto Cafe outlets as part of an internal restructuring effort aimed at addressing low or inconsistent demand in certain locations. The move is part of a broader optimisation strategy as the company focuses on strengthening its high-demand quick-commerce business ahead of its planned IPO. Employees from the affected outlets — typically two to three per cafe — are being redeployed to Zepto’s dark stores to support picker and packer functions. The company aims to utilise its workforce more efficiently in areas experiencing higher order volumes. According to sources, the…

American Airlines is reportedly preparing to cut about 5,000 jobs as part of a major restructuring and cost-optimisation plan, following what executives have acknowledged as overhiring during the post-pandemic travel boom. Although the airline has not issued an official confirmation, media reports suggest that the job cuts will affect multiple departments — including management, technical, and customer-support teams — and may involve shifting certain roles to India, with Hyderabad expected to become a new centre of operations. The planned reduction represents an estimated four to five per cent of the airline’s global workforce. The administrative and information technology divisions are…