Infosys is set to hire approximately 20,000 fresh graduates in 2025, a move that aligns with its strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and reskilling initiatives. CEO Salil Parekh has assured that there will be no job cuts and has confirmed the company's commitment to expanding its workforce. This decision comes even as rival Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced layoffs of over 12,000 employees.

Infosys's focus on AI is a key driver behind its hiring strategy. Parekh noted that while AI enhances automation and provides deeper insights, it also necessitates higher-level skills and more effort. To this end, Infosys has already trained around 275,000 employees at various levels. The company's investment in reskilling aims to ensure that its workforce is equipped to handle the demands of an AI-driven environment.

The hiring of fresh graduates also reflects Infosys's long-term commitment to both people and technology. By bringing in new talent, the company aims to infuse fresh perspectives and ideas into its operations. This is particularly important in the context of AI, where continuous innovation and adaptation are essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

Infosys's approach to AI is not just about automation; it's also about augmenting human capabilities. Parekh pointed out that software development is seeing productivity gains of 5% to 15% due to AI-driven automation, with even greater gains in customer service and knowledge tasks. However, he stressed the importance of human expertise, especially for complex and integrated systems. For example, Infosys Finacle, the company's banking platform, delivers around 20% productivity improvement by blending automation with human oversight.

While Infosys is committed to hiring fresh graduates, an Infosys executive noted that generative AI may lead to fewer hirings in organizations in the future. Satish H C, executive vice-president and co-head (delivery), said that companies will require fewer employees thanks to AI, and that this shift will happen gradually over the next three to five years. However, Infosys is adapting to AI and is going "AI first".

Infosys's focus on AI extends beyond hiring and training. The company is also working to reshape business processes, operating models, and technical architectures to fully leverage the potential of AI. This includes a focus on data architecture, which is critical for effective AI implementation. Infosys is also helping other companies adopt AI to achieve measurable success. Infosys enables them with an AI-first core, empowers the business with agile digital at scale and drives continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem.

The company recognizes that change management and employee training are essential for successful AI deployments. Companies that have taken initial steps to address AI can nearly double their likelihood of success with AI deployments by fully investing in workforce AI readiness. By addressing the AI adoption paradox, where executives are confident in AI but employees struggle with implementation, Infosys aims to ensure that its AI initiatives deliver tangible business value.