Tag: Corporate India

Business

Vedanta Delivers India’s Largest Employee Equity Grant in Manufacturing Worth ₹2,500 Crore

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

New Delhi, January 19, 2026: Vedanta Limited (NSE: VEDL), India’s leading metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology conglomerate, has delivered one of the largest employee equity initiatives in Indian manufacturing, creating a cumulative financial impact of nearly ₹2,500 crore through Employee Stock Option (ESOP) grants over the past five years.


The latest ESOP 2025 grant alone accounts for stock options worth over ₹500 crore, benefiting nearly 1,200 first-time recipients, including freshers. Vedanta’s ESOP programme is among the most inclusive in the country, covering nearly 40 per cent of its workforce across plants, functions and career levels.

With more than two decades of consistent ESOP administration, employee ownership has become a core part of Vedanta’s organisational culture. Notably, the programme extends equity participation to early-career professionals, with eligible freshers receiving allocations amounting to nearly 30 per cent of fixed pay over a standard three-year vesting cycle—making Vedanta one of the few Indian conglomerates to offer ESOPs at this level.

A defining feature of Vedanta’s ESOP structure is the allotment of shares at a deeply discounted price of Rs.1, among the lowest ESOP pricing in India. This approach reinforces shared ownership while minimising upfront investment for employees. With Vedanta’s share price touching all-time highs, the ESOP programme has enabled thousands of employees to achieve key life milestones such as home ownership, higher education, vehicle purchases and long-term financial security.

The ESOP 2022 vesting cycle delivered over 80 per cent appreciation in share value, generating more than ₹300 crore in wealth for employees, highlighting the strong link between organisational performance and employee rewards.

The programme reflects the vision of Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal to democratise wealth creation, accelerate career progression and provide equitable financial opportunities, particularly for young professionals and women. The performance-linked ESOP structure recognises sustained contributions in priority areas such as automation, digitalisation, AI-driven innovation, operational excellence and sustainability.

By extending equity ownership to engineers, plant teams and middle management—groups traditionally excluded from such rewards—Vedanta is redefining compensation practices in Indian manufacturing and reinforcing its belief that employees should directly share in the value they help create.

Human Interest

Infosys Counters 70-Hour Work Week Push: Employees Told to Prioritize Health Over Overtime

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In a decisive move reflecting changing workplace values, Infosys has issued internal guidance encouraging its employees to steer clear of excessive work hours and instead focus on personal well-being and a healthy work-life balance.

This development comes in sharp contrast to Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy’s recent comments, which sparked widespread debate after he suggested that young Indians should work 70 hours a week to accelerate the country’s progress.

A Shift in Culture

While Murthy’s comments were positioned as a call for national productivity and stronger work ethics, many professionals and corporate leaders criticized the idea, calling it outdated and potentially harmful to mental health. Infosys’s internal communication marks a clear departure from that stance.

According to sources within the company, employees were reminded that:

  • Well-being is a priority in the company’s evolving work culture
  • Overtime is discouraged, especially if it impacts physical or mental health
  • Output and efficiency matter more than long hours

This move also aligns Infosys with broader global trends, where many companies are focusing on employee retention, mental health support, and flexible work models post-pandemic.

Industry Reactions

Infosys’s stand has been widely praised by professionals across the IT and tech industries. Many see it as a refreshing move from a major Indian company that not only values productivity but also recognizes human limits.

A senior industry analyst noted, “This could signal a shift in India’s tech sector away from hustle culture and toward a more balanced, sustainable approach to work.”

Employees Respond

Early reactions from Infosys employees have been largely positive, with many welcoming the company’s efforts to create a more supportive and humane work environment.

One employee shared anonymously, “It’s encouraging to know the company cares about us beyond deadlines. Productivity doesn’t mean burnout.”

Looking Ahead

With Infosys setting the tone, other major players in India’s tech space may feel increased pressure to adopt similar people-first policies. In an era where talent retention and mental health are critical to business success, companies are realizing that working smarter—not longer—is the future.