IT firms tighten employee benefits and spending to prioritize productivity

Technology and IT firms are implementing tighter controls on employee benefits, travel, and workplace practices to prioritize productivity and cost efficiency.

In India, Accenture has allowed employees to carry forward earned leave to ensure availability during year-end periods, while also encouraging the reduction of unproductive meetings. SAP has paused internal travel as part of a spending review, though it maintains travel for customer-facing activities and AI-related training. Additionally, HSBC India has introduced stricter oversight for employee cab bookings to prevent no-shows.

In the United States, companies are also adjusting benefits. Deloitte plans to reduce certain benefits for some employees starting in 2027, including cuts to paid family leave and reimbursements for adoption and IVF. Zoom has also implemented reductions in parental leave for certain US staff. These shifts indicate a move toward productivity-led efficiency rather than broad cost-cutting.