Witnessing a reduction in workforce in Q1, Wipro experiences an increase in attrition rates in select areas.
In the tech-driven landscape of 2026, Wipro, a leading IT services company, is gearing up for a strategic shift in its hiring and talent management strategies, with a strong emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Saurabh Govil, Wipro's Chief Human Resources Officer, has confirmed that the company is comfortable paying a premium for AI talent due to the scarcity of trained professionals in AI skills. This emphasis on AI is not merely a passing trend for Wipro, but a strategic move to deploy AI-powered solutions across their services.
In Q1FY26, Wipro's headcount declined slightly, reaching 233,232 employees. Despite this, the company's utilisation inched up to 85%, indicating a more efficient use of resources. However, specific details about Wipro's 2026 hiring plan have not been disclosed.
Looking ahead, Wipro is expected to expand AI training programs for existing employees, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for emerging technologies. The company is also likely to focus on hiring freshers with AI skills or those eager to be trained in AI, aligning with their AI-first approach.
Another key strategy is the promotion of high-potential employees to critical roles, a move aimed at managing attrition and retaining key talent. This strategy, which has been a part of Wipro's philosophy, could continue to play a significant role in their future hiring and talent management strategies.
Wipro is also building a skilled AI workforce from within the company, through upskilling and reskilling existing employees to meet AI demands. This aligns with industry trends where companies invest in training programs to enhance AI fluency among their workforce.
The company's leaders, including its managing director and chief executive, are encouraged to rotate laterally to ensure a better understanding of clients, Wipro, and its partnerships.
While Wipro has not yet decided on wage hikes for the year, they usually announce them in October. The company is confident in its ability to meet demand, with Saurabh Govil stating that they are very comfortable with the current range of attrition because they have a good bench of employees.
In Q1FY26, there was a significant increase in attrition in Wipro's DOP workforce, but Saurabh Govil mentioned that this increase is more seasonal and account movement based.
In conclusion, while specific details about Wipro's 2026 hiring plan are not yet available, the company's current emphasis on AI and internal talent development will likely continue to shape their future strategies. As Wipro navigates the evolving tech landscape, they are poised to remain at the forefront of the AI revolution, with a skilled and adaptable workforce ready to meet the challenges ahead.
- Wipro, recognizing the potential of Decentralized Finance (Defi) and blockchain technology in the business world, might consider integrating these technologies into their AI-powered solutions, further expanding their market presence.
- In the future, Wipro could leverage the expertise of their AI-skilled workforce to explore new opportunities in the emerging field of business and finance technology, aiming to facilitate innovation and growth.
- As Wipro continues to invest in AI training programs for existing employees and focus on hiring fresh talent, they stand to benefit from an agile, adaptable workforce well-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by the ever-evolving financial market.
