Understanding Capgemini India's Bench Policy
Capgemini, like many consulting and IT services firms, has policies regarding employees who are on the bench, i.e., not currently assigned to a project. While specific practices can vary by region and over time, it is not uncommon for companies in this industry to review the status of bench employees after a certain period. Typically, if employees are on the bench for an extended duration, they may face performance reviews or discussions regarding their future with the company. In some cases, this could lead to termination if the company believes that the employees' skills are not aligned with current project needs or if there are not enough available projects.
What Happens During a Bench Period?
Employees are usually encouraged to engage in skill development and training during bench periods to enhance their employability within the firm. This proactive approach often involves taking advantage of numerous platforms provided free of cost by Capgemini to upgrade professional skills and stay relevant in the competitive IT industry. As such, during your bench period, it is crucial to keep your skills sharp and build a strong portfolio of projects.
Managers and HR Role in Reviewing Bench Period Employees
Managers and HR play a significant role in reviewing the status of bench employees. The Resource Management Group (RMG) is typically responsible for allocating employees to projects based on current project requirements. However, if there are no immediate project requirements, employees are often encouraged to undertake self-training or consider roles outside the IT sector to improve their employability.
Consequences if You Fail in Project Interviews
If you fail in project interviews, it is often considered a chance for reflection and improvement. There is a high chance that the company will initiate the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) to help identify areas for enhancement and facilitate your transition back to an active project role. It is important to address the reasons for failure and work on rectifying them to boost future performance opportunities.
Current Bench Situation at Capgemini India
Currently, a common perception is that Capgemini India has shown leniency towards bench employees, with no one being terminated due to prolonged benching in recent years. However, recent news suggests that the company may be considering termination of bench employees if they have been on the bench for more than a year. Therefore, it is crucial to remain proactive and engaged in continuous learning and skill development during your bench period.
Employee Feedback and Advice
From personal experience, as someone who was on bench for over three months, Capgemini has provided ample opportunities to engage in skill development and training. In the current environment of recession, where many organizations are firing employees without any specific reason, Capgemini often acts as a haven, offering opportunities for employees to resume their careers. If you miss these opportunities, it is due to your own fault. Therefore, it is better to learn and upgrade your skills while on the bench, as many platforms are provided by Capgemini free of cost. You can expect 2-3 interview calls, so instead of blaming the organization, start focusing on learning and skill enhancement.
This advice is backed by ongoing feedback and experiences from employees currently in similar situations. By staying proactive and continuously upgrading your skills, you can increase your chances of successful transitions and resume a competitive career trajectory within Capgemini.