Author: Maya Singh

Cisco is set to reduce its global workforce by nearly 4,000 employees as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at increasing focus on artificial intelligence and other strategic technology areas. The planned workforce reduction will impact less than 5% of the company’s global employee base of around 80,000 people. According to reports, employee notifications are expected to begin from 14 May and will be implemented across regions in line with local labour regulations. While Cisco has not publicly identified specific teams or business units that may be affected, the company said the restructuring process will continue over the coming weeks.…

State Bank of India reported a significant increase in workforce strength during FY26 after hiring nearly 9,000 employees, taking its total employee count to a five-year high. According to the bank’s annual disclosures for the financial year ended March 2026, SBI’s total workforce stood at 2,45,131 employees, compared with lower levels recorded in recent years. The figure is the highest since FY21, when the bank employed 2,45,652 people. The hiring expansion places SBI among a limited group of Indian companies with workforces exceeding two lakh employees. Tata Consultancy Services remains India’s largest private-sector employer with approximately 5.85 lakh employees, followed…

Microsoft has introduced its first voluntary retirement programme in the United States, offering eligible employees financial, healthcare, and stock-related benefits as part of a broader workforce management initiative. The programme is available to employees whose combined age and years of service total 70 or more. For example, employees aged 50 with 20 years of service or those aged 55 with 15 years at the company may qualify. Reports indicate that approximately 7 per cent of Microsoft’s US workforce, or nearly 8,750 employees, are eligible for the programme. The retirement package includes healthcare coverage for medical, dental, vision, and wellness expenses…

Tata Motors has completed a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for permanent employees across its passenger and commercial vehicle businesses, with around 300 employees accepting the offer. The programme, which was open from April 10 to April 30, targeted nearly 750 permanent employees between the ages of 40 and 55. The initiative followed requests from worker unions and marks the company’s first VRS exercise since restructuring its operations in 2025, when its passenger and commercial vehicle divisions were formally separated. The retirement package included financial compensation linked to employee tenure and job role, along with medical benefits. Tata Motors introduced the…

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become part of everyday work across industries, but a large gap remains between regular usage and long-term preparedness, according to Simplilearn’s 2026 Professional Sentiment Survey. The survey found that 85 per cent of professionals now use AI tools regularly at work, with more than half using them daily. While AI adoption has become routine for many employees, only 26 per cent said they feel adequately prepared to use AI in ways that support long-term career growth. The findings suggest that familiarity with AI tools does not necessarily translate into readiness for how AI is expected to…

Coal India has introduced a new workplace uniform policy aimed at creating a consistent and professional appearance across its operations. The revised guidelines, effective from May, require employees to follow a defined dress code and maintain a minimum number of uniform sets each year. Under the new policy, employees must purchase at least three sets of uniforms annually. The initiative marks a transition from relatively informal workplace attire to a more structured dress framework with clearly defined expectations. For male employees, the prescribed uniform consists of a grey formal shirt paired with black trousers across all roles and locations. The…

Salesforce is facing a lawsuit in the United States alleging violations of employee protection laws after it terminated an employee who had taken leave to care for a parent diagnosed with cancer. The case, John v. Salesforce Inc., claims the employee had been granted leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). According to the complaint, during his absence, the company altered its engagement with one of his clients, which allegedly resulted in a negative performance record being attributed to him. The lawsuit further alleges that shortly after the employee returned to work, his role was eliminated citing “lack…

Tata Electronics has significantly expanded its manufacturing operations in India, growing its workforce to around 75,000 employees. With this expansion, the company has overtaken Foxconn in terms of employee strength in the country, making it the largest manufacturing partner for Apple in India. The company’s headcount has increased sharply from approximately 15,000 employees in 2023. A key driver of this growth has been its large manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, which has scaled up production to meet rising global demand for iPhones. The expansion has also been supported by the integration of employees and operations from previously acquired Pegatron…

Microsoft has announced its first voluntary buyout programme in the United States, signalling a shift in how the company approaches workforce management. The initiative allows eligible employees to opt for retirement with financial support, rather than face potential layoffs. According to a company memo, approximately 7% of Microsoft’s US workforce may qualify for the programme. It is open to employees at the senior director level and below whose combined age and years of service total 70 or more. Further details are expected to be shared with employees and managers on 7 May. Staff on sales incentive plans are not included…

An IT employee association has urged the Central government to investigate workplace safety practices at a Nashik-based technology firm following complaints raised by women employees. Nascent Information Technology Employees Senate (NITES) has written to Mansukh Mandaviya, calling for a detailed audit of the company’s compliance with the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act. The request follows reports that multiple employees approached law enforcement authorities with allegations including sexual harassment and coercion. NITES has sought a comprehensive review of complaints filed over several years, including those that were resolved, remain pending, or were dismissed. The organisation has also called for scrutiny…