HEADCOUNT
BPO jobs on a seesaw as bots call the shots
Voice AI is driving call centres even as hiring grows, but the shift towards complex tasks leaves freshers scrambling for a new career ladder.
Investors in other markets would be envious of India multiples: Rich Handler, chief executive of Jefferies
Jefferies CEO Rich Handler believes Indian equities remain reasonably valued despite the market correction and says easing long-term capital gains taxes could attract foreign investors. He sees opportunities in India's AI and data centre sectors, argues that global capital outflows reflect external pressures, and believes concerns about an AI bubble warrant a healthy pause rather than alarm.
Why Big Tech companies Microsoft, Google, Meta and others are opting for voluntary buyouts
In response to fluctuating market demands, Meta has rolled out voluntary exit packages in France aimed at workforce restructuring. This initiative is part of a broader trend as tech giants like Google and Microsoft implement similar measures globally to optimize costs. These packages offer employees the choice to depart with financial incentives and transition support, showcasing a more favorable approach compared to traditional layoffs amidst economic uncertainty.
AI gains fail to cool rising staff costs at Indian IT services firms
Although artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are changing the traditional labour-intensive model of IT services, they have yet to bring down employee costs for the country’s top six IT services companies—Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, Wipro, Tech Mahindra and LTM (formerly LTIMindtree).
Indian GCCs set to add 35k jobs in 2027
ANSR expects these jobs – ranging from 30,000 to 35,000 - to be added by 160-175 new greenfield GCCs amid an increasing number of inquiries from US mid-sized companies. The caveat emptor: Experts say this interest is yet to translate into plans for large-scale relocation of jobs from the US.
US weekly jobless claims at 57-year lows amid low layoffs
Initial claims for state unemployment benefits fell 6,000 to a seasonally adjusted 189,000 for the week ended October 31, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 196,000 claims for the latest week.
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Google voluntary buyouts: What's the exit package, which teams qualify and how many employees are eligible after Microsoft's similar offer?
Google Voluntary Exit Programme Details: Google has expanded its voluntary buyout programme to selected employees in five countries. The offer comes as Microsoft rolls out a similar voluntary exit scheme covering around 60,000 employees. Here's a look at Google's severance package, eligible teams and the number of employees who could opt for the offer.
FICCI makes recommendations to FM ahead of Budget 2027-28, highlights LTCG exemption, TDS relief and faster tax appeals
FICCI has recommended the restoration of long-term capital gains tax exemption on listed shares in Budget 2027-28. The organization highlighted concerns regarding the withdrawal of foreign portfolio investments and the impact of capital gains tax. Additionally, it requested the government to implement lighter TDS rules and resolve backlog issues in tax appeals. FICCI emphasized the need for measures to provide certainty to investors over the long term.
Canva to cut about 22% of staff as growth slowdown triggers restructuring
Australian graphic design platform Canva Group said on Wednesday it would cut 1,271 jobs, or about 22% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring after growth slowed for the first time in a decade.
Happiest Minds Q2 Results: Profit rises 15% to Rs 62 crore; revenue up 12% to Rs 645 crore
Happiest Minds Technologies has seen a 15.12% rise in consolidated net profit for the September quarter FY27. Revenue from operations also increased by 12.5% compared to the previous year. The company announced an interim dividend of Rs 3.05 per equity share for the 2026-27 fiscal year. An exceptional charge was included in the quarter's results due to a proposed merger with ITC Infotech.
Coders out, VCs in: Investors bet billions on AI-first services
The AI-native services firms’ promise of high margins and rapid growth with fewer people has attracted the interest of VC firms. If Distyl AI raised $175 million at a $1.8 billion valuation a year ago, Wonderful raised $550 million at a $5 billion valuation in September.
HSBC to open Hong Kong AI Institute following Singapore launch
The AI unit will work with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as its anchor academic partner, Elhedery said, though he did not disclose headcount details.
Banks report 10-50% gains in productivity, turnaround time and costs from AI-led initiatives
Several banks in India have implemented artificial intelligence initiatives that have increased productivity and efficiency significantly. Notably, Kotak Mahindra Bank has improved its handling of corporate servicing volumes by 20-30% with the same workforce. Axis Bank's AI solutions are enhancing customer experience and improving operational efficiency across its operations. HDFC Bank has reported a reduction in service delivery turnaround times by 30%, reflecting the impact of digitization.
Corporate offsites, incentive trips make a comeback as companies resume travel plans
Corporate offsites and incentive trips are witnessing a revival as companies resume travel plans. Businesses are now scheduling deferred trips alongside new programmes for enhanced team engagement. Popular destinations include both domestic locations like Goa and international options such as Japan and Thailand. Companies aim to create curated experiences that foster collaboration and learning among employees. The focus remains on building connections and strengthening team culture during these offsites.
Q2 earnings upgrades hold above 50%, says Jefferies. Is the profit cycle turning?
India’s Q2 FY27 earnings show signs of resilience, with Jefferies reporting that 50% of the 105 companies it tracks received FY27 earnings estimate upgrades, while 41% saw downgrades and 9% remained unchanged. The share of companies beating expectations rose to 56% from 52% in the previous quarter, though the recovery remains uneven across sectors.
Research: How AI Agents Broaden the Scope of Knowledge Work
AI agents don’t just speed up knowledge work; they change its nature. In a field study of Perplexity’s conversational assistant and autonomous agent, researchers found that not only did the agent perform more autonomous work, cut task time, lowered cost, and left users more satisfied, but it also expanded the scope of work people attempted—crossing occupational boundaries, tackling more complex, multi-step projects, and generating tasks that rarely appeared with a standard assistant. As workers shift from operators to supervisors, leaders must redesign roles, workflows, and oversight to harness agents’ potential while governing their expanded autonomy.
Cognizant’s Q3 PAT jumps 128% to $627 million, revenue climbs 4.6%
Growth across its markets geographically and double-digit expansion in financial services as well as communications, media and technology boosted revenue by 4.6% YoY to $5.66 billion, meeting its own guidance range of $5.60-$5.68 billion. In constant currency, or excluding the impact of exchange rate fluctuations, revenue rose 4.8% from a year earlier and 3.3% sequentially.
US weekly unemployment claims hover near 57-year lows
Initial unemployment claims in the United States have decreased slightly to 194,000 for the week ending October 24. Labour market conditions continue to demonstrate resilience, remaining below 200,000 claims since mid-September. The ongoing conflict between the US and Israel, including Iran, has led to employer hesitancy regarding hiring increases. Additionally, continuing claims have dropped to 1.701 million, reflecting decreased overall unemployment.
Qualcomm job cuts in November: How many employees could lose their jobs and when will it be announced?
Qualcomm is set to implement further layoffs in November, as indicated by a memo from CEO Cristiano Amon. This decision, expected to impact 3% to 6% of the workforce in India and similar proportions worldwide, aims to boost performance and tackle unmet expectations. Amid challenges in the consumer electronics sector, the company is shifting focus towards expansion in data centers and AI technologies for stronger business diversification.
AI can perform the work of 10 people, says Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu, warns of headcount impact
Sridhar Vembu, the visionary behind Zoho, raises alarms regarding the transformative role of AI on computer-related jobs. He posits that one AI-empowered individual might outperform several workers. While acknowledging impending job cuts, he is optimistic about fresh opportunities opening across different sectors. Vembu also points out the soaring costs tied to AI technologies, urging companies to pivot swiftly.
87% of India CEOs confident of growth despite cyber, geopolitical risks: KPMG
Nearly 87% of Indian CEOs are confident about their companies' growth prospects in the next three years. They are increasing investments in cybersecurity to mitigate risks associated with growing threats. Attracting and retaining employees remains a major challenge along with skill gaps. Additionally, 66% of CEOs say sustainability is integrated into core strategies for future growth.
IT firms navigate peak pessimism by prioritising growth in stable Q2
Analysts said that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a significant revenue driver for the majority of Indian IT companies. However, they cautioned that near-term prospects remain muted due to pricing pressure and AI-driven deflation in traditional services.
Microsoft buyouts: Which 60,000 employees in the US, UK and Canada qualify, benefits, severence package and more. Read the full memo
Microsoft buyouts: Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees in the US, UK, Canada and India. Employees have until early December to decide whether to accept the offer and leave the company by year-end. Here’s who qualifies, what employees need to do and how the latest programme compares with Microsoft’s earlier retirement buyout.
What is the difference between buyout and layoff? Microsoft offers buyout to 60,000 employees; check what it means for workers
Microsoft buyout offer to 60,000 workers: Microsoft has introduced a Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in India, the US, Canada and the UK, with reports suggesting around 60,000 workers could qualify. The programme allows employees to leave voluntarily with financial support, unlike layoffs, where the company decides to cut jobs. The move comes as Microsoft ramps up AI investments while managing workforce costs.
VerSe valuation sinks; Paytm Q2 profit rises
Happy Tuesday! Dailyhunt parent VerSe Innovation’s valuation has taken a sharp hit. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Oracle may extend US staff separation scheme to India
Oracle’s India workforce has been shrinking over the past six months, with engineering departures running at roughly five times the pace of hiring, sources said. Oracle’s recent round of global layoffs in September impacted about 10% of its India workforce or 3,000 employees, ET had reported.
Do not release provisional census data to press: RGI to states and UTs
The Registrar General of India has announced that Census 2027 data will not be made public, emphasizing the confidentiality guaranteed by the Census Act of 1948. This census is notably being conducted digitally, allowing for swift data submission. The process comprises two main phases: the initial house listing followed by the actual population count. The government has pledged a substantial financial investment for this extensive headcount endeavor.
44% of India’s GCCs now own platforms and AI outcomes: Report
Global Capability Centres in India are transitioning into AI capability hubs, significantly increasing salaries for digital professionals. The focus of GCCs is shifting from execution to innovation and strategic capabilities. Reports indicate that AI talent in India commands a significant wage premium due to higher demand. As GCCs expand their roles, the need for skilled talent in AI and related fields continues to grow.
Qualcomm may cut 600-1,200 jobs in India as part of global restructuring
Qualcomm has not disclosed the scale of the planned job cuts or the number of positions that could be affected, and it did not respond to ET’s queries on the matter.
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