AI is reshaping work, but it won't slow down hiring: TCS

As artificial intelligence transforms the way businesses operate, TCS is navigating this shift by modernizing legacy systems, scaling up internal capabilities, and preparing its workforce for the future.

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Even as automation gains ground, the company remains confident in its hiring momentum. Attrition, wage expectations, and evolving talent needs remain in focus, with an emphasis on internal growth, clear communication, and operational efficiency.

Milind Lakkad, chief human resources officer, in an interview with Urvi Malvania, explains how the company is managing change while maintaining continuity. Excerpts: You added just over 5,000 employees in Q1. While you have said hiring shouldn't be tied too closely to quarterly business performance, you also noted that the Q1 outcome was shaped by how the business evolved. How do you balance the two?

There are two parts to this. We began the year with certain assumptions about where we would be in Q1, but as the business environment evolved, we had to adjust accordingly. That's why we are at this number. Some of the hiring is not just for today but also for the future. The talent we bring in needs to be contextualized for our customers, and that takes time. So this is also about getting ready for what lies ahead. You might see headcount fluctuate from one quarter to another, but don't look at it in isolation. The full year offers a better view.

What are you doing to contain attrition, which is currently above your comfort level? Is there a concern that it could rise if wage hikes are delayed? What internal levers influence your decision on when to implement salary increases?