In a strategic move to adapt to the evolving economic landscape, Wipro, a leading player in the IT services sector, successfully wrapped up FY25 by bringing on board 10,000 fresh graduates. This recruitment aligns perfectly with its annual goal of hiring between 10,000 and 12,000 new talent. As Wipro sets its sights on FY26, the company remains cautious, carefully evaluating the shifting business environment before finalizing its hiring plans.
Focused Hiring Strategy Amid Economic Uncertainty
During a recent earnings call, Saurabh Govil, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Wipro, emphasized that the company is taking a measured approach to recruitment. Given the current macroeconomic challenges, Govil stated, "We wrapped up FY25 with about 10,000 freshers onboard. While we aim to maintain this momentum, we will closely observe market trends before making any commitments."
- 10,000 freshers hired in FY25
- Cautious approach to FY26 hiring
- Continuous monitoring of economic conditions
Emphasis on Effective Deployment
Govil highlighted Wipro’s commitment to ensuring that new hires are effectively utilized rather than merely increasing headcount. He remarked, "Our goal isn’t to onboard talent without having proper deployment channels. We learned valuable lessons three years ago, so we are focused on doing it right." This strategic mindset is particularly crucial as the company seeks to enhance employee utilization, especially given the backdrop of slow revenue growth.
Recent Employment Trends
In the last quarter of FY25, Wipro managed to turn a net decline of 1,157 employees into a positive addition of 614, concluding the fiscal year with a total workforce of 233,346. This reflects a modest annual increase of 732 compared to the previous year. Notably, Wipro’s attrition rate improved to 15%, down from 15.3%, while employee utilization rose to 84.6% from 83.5%.
Cautious Approach to Wage Increases
As Wipro prepares for its wage hike cycle, the company is adopting a conservative stance. Govil noted, "We were proactive in implementing wage increases last September and previously in December. Given the current uncertainties, we will make decisions closer to the date." This reflects a similar cautious approach seen in rival firms like Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
Future Outlook: Caution with Client Engagement
Looking forward, Srini Pallia, CEO and Managing Director of Wipro, indicated that clients are likely to remain cautious, particularly regarding large-scale transformation projects and discretionary spending. As Wipro navigates these challenges, the company aims to strengthen its position in the market while maintaining a focus on effective talent management.
In contrast, TCS reported its earnings, revealing a net addition of 6,433 employees for the fiscal year, culminating in a total workforce of 607,979.
By aligning its hiring strategy with current market realities, Wipro is clearly focused on sustainable growth, ensuring that both new talent and existing employees are optimally utilized for future success.
