No layoffs due to GenAI: Infosys, Wipro, HCL reps say the focus is on talent augmentation instead of replacement

AI will displace 75 million jobs by 2025 but will also create 133 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 58 million jobs globally, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Generative artificial intelligence or GenAI is already making waves across sectors raising the most prominent and dangerous questions for professionals in India Inc: Will GenAI replace humans in the workplace? Infosys CEO Salil Parekh again sparked interest in this question, when he said in a recent interview to a news agency that he does not foresee layoffs on account of AI in the near term.

In a relief to corporate soldiers, some of India’s largest information technology (IT) firms agree, saying the focus is more on using GenAI to upgrade professionals rather than replacing them.

Existing talent must be transformed for individuals to become AI aware, AI builders, and AI masters.

- Shaji Mathew, group head of human resource development, Infosys.

Wipro said it is strategically integrating AI into client projects and internal processes, with a strong emphasis on ‘Responsible AI’ usage to enhance insights, and predictive outcomes and improve employee experience.

The company added that this integration is designed to evolve roles across all levels, enabling employees to engage in higher value-added work by automating repetitive tasks. For instance, AI at the IT giant aids in optimising HR processes by matching people's skills with suitable opportunities and streamlining the recruitment of the right talent.

Similarly, Infosys said it is investing and reskilling the employees and other stakeholders, redesigning the jobs and platforms to allow for seamless career transitions in AI.

“....As of today, we have over 2.7 lakh employees trained in GenAI. Considering an era dominated by AI, the existing talent must be transformed for individuals to become AI-Aware, AI-builders, and AI-Masters,” said Shaji Mathew, group head of human resource development at Infosys.

Looking ahead, HCLTech said AI’s predictive capabilities promise to revolutionize its recruitment process by offering personalized job recommendations to analyzing behavioral patterns for cultural fit.

"In addition to its own AI training modules, HCLTech has partnered the likes of NVIDIA, Intel, IBM, Dell and leading hyperscalers to upskill employees in AI. In FY25, we aim to upskill 50,000 additional employees in Generative AI and related fields, supporting their professional development within our organization," an HCLTech spokesperson said.

India's largest software firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has set up "AI Experience Zones" in India where engineers and employees can innovate and experiment with building AI and gen AI solutions. Further, TCS is also upgrading internal operations such as its HR function by developing AI-based interview coaches for hiring and training.

Disruption across departments?

India's artificial intelligence market is projected to touch $17 billion by 2027, growing at an annualised rate of 25-35 percent between 2024 and 2027, according to a Nasscom-BCG report.

Further, AI will displace 75 million jobs by 2025 but will also create 133 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 58 million jobs globally, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

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However, not all job roles will be impacted immediately by the mammoth rise of AI in the workplace.

“Frontline and operational roles may experience increased automation and AI assistance, leading to enhanced productivity and the need for new skill sets. Conversely, strategic and decision-making roles will utilise AI for obtaining data-driven insights, requiring a combination of technical and managerial skills,” Wipro’s Jain said.

Similarly, Kapil Joshi, deputy CEO of Quess IT Staffing, said many manual tasks are now automated, increasing productivity but also shifting job roles. While some positions may become obsolete, he added that new roles in AI development, data analysis, and machine learning are emerging.

“Top IT firms in India are heavily investing in GenAI training, with some committing significant funds and others already having trained hundreds of thousands of employees. These efforts emphasise the importance of equipping their workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven future,” he said.

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There are equal challenges that employees face while integrating GenAI into their daily lives.

"Our company is proactive about the GenAI revolution by rolling out hands-on training sessions and encouraging certifications in AI technologies. We've also started incorporating AI tools into our daily tasks to get everyone familiar with them. One practical challenge we're facing is integrating these new tools with our legacy systems, which often leads to compatibility issues and additional troubleshooting time," said Noida-based Kalpit Jindal, a systems analyst at multinational IT consulting firm.

Similarly, another employee remarked, "To prepare for the GenAI era, my company has been providing us with access to AI platforms and conducting regular workshops on emerging trends. While this is great for skill development, a significant challenge is the need to balance learning with ongoing project demands. Finding time to upskill while managing daily responsibilities can be a tough juggling act."