Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), one of India’s leading IT firms, is planning to lay off around 12,000 employees this year. The announcement has understandably raised concerns among those working in the tech sector. However, the company has clarified that the move is part of a broader restructuring strategy, not a mass retrenchment.

According to TCS, the layoffs will largely affect non-billable roles or employees whose skill sets no longer align with current project demands. The company has stressed that this decision wasn’t made lightly and that several internal assessments preceded it.

In terms of support, TCS has said it is offering impacted employees assistance in the form of reskilling programs and internal redeployment opportunities. In simple terms, they’re trying to place employees in other departments or help them upskill to stay relevant in a changing tech landscape. Some may even be moved to roles in emerging areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

TCS also mentioned it would work with placement partners and career counselors to help employees find new roles outside the company, if needed.

For a firm that has historically been seen as a stable employer, this step marks a significant shift. Experts believe the move reflects a broader trend in the global IT industry, where automation and evolving client needs are reshaping the kind of talent companies are looking for.

If you’re a TCS employee or work in the IT industry, this is a good time to evaluate your current skill set and explore learning opportunities in fast-growing areas.