Team Outings at Infosys: Policies, Budgets, and Variations

Team outings are an essential aspect of maintaining a positive work environment and enhancing collaboration among employees. At Infosys, team outings are generally encouraged, although specific policies may vary depending on project and location. This article delves into the guidelines, budgets, and variations in team outing practices within the company.

General Policies and Guidelines

Team outings at Infosys are typically viewed positively and are encouraged to promote team bonding, enhance collaboration, and improve employee morale. Different units and locations may have their own specific policies, so it's always best to consult your team leader or HR for detailed information related to your particular area. Despite the generally supportive stance, the specifics might differ based on the ongoing project and departmental requirements.

Quarterly Budget for Team Parties

Infosys allocates a quarterly budget for team parties, giving teams the flexibility to plan and organize their own outings. You can choose to plan nearby city outings, lunches, or dinners based on the team's preferences and the available budget.

It's important to note that while teams are allowed to plan outings, they may not always be funded by the company. The amount allocated can vary significantly based on the nature of the project and the team's needs. For instance, if you are not working on a client project and are on bench or working on an internal project, team outings might not be funded. In such cases, the team must contribute individually to cover the costs.

Client Project Budgets

When working on a client project, teams typically receive a smaller budget for fun activities. For example, employees working on client projects receive approximately 400 INR every three months. This amount has increased over the years, but it is still relatively low and often insufficient for more extensive outings. In past years, this amount was even lower, at around 150 INR per quarter. To compensate for this limited budget, teams sometimes pool their resources, including individual contributions, to host a team outing.

Employee Welfare Allocation

The budget for employee welfare, including team outings, can be allocated to either the project or the delivery manager. The way this budget is spent depends on the decision made by the unit manager or leader. It can be used for team lunches, outings, or other recreational activities. It's important to discuss these options with your project manager or delivery manager. However, it's also worth noting that some managers may use this fund as a contingency for the profit and loss of the unit, which may limit the available budget for team outings.

Variations in Team Outings

The frequency and nature of team outings can vary significantly from unit to unit and team to team. This variation can be attributed to the different working environments and project demands. Teams in certain units might not organize frequent outings, while others might have outings every month. For example, based on personal experience, the author's unit rarely organizes team outings, while other teams might have outings back-to-back each month.

In conclusion, while team outings are generally encouraged at Infosys, the specifics and frequency can vary. It's crucial to understand the policies and budget allocated by your specific unit or location. Even with limited budgets, teams can still organize enjoyable outings by pooling resources and choosing activities that are both cost-effective and enjoyable for all members.