However, Satyam spokesperson Archana Muthappa denied that the warnings were on account of the economic downturn. “Every year, after appraisals, we put some employees in the performance improvement programme if their work is not up to the mark. If they are through it, they don't have to worry,” she said.

Adds Satyam Computer Services Ltd's global head of HR, S V Krishnan: “As part of our appraisal process, we identify around 5 per cent of our associates in the ‘performance improvement’ category and put them through a structured programme. Our experience reflects that about half of this group exits the system either voluntarily or involuntarily, while the others make credible progress internally. We concluded our appraisal process a few weeks back and believe we are witnessing similar trends like in the past.”

The talk at the hi-tech city and IT hub Madhapur these days is only about the sword that is hanging over the heads of thousands of engineers. “We are on the bench right now because there is no work. But our company is keeping us in reserve in case a major project requiring a big team lands suddenly. Any day, we may be asked to pack our bags,” says Vamsi Krishna, furiously puffing away. “We are already looking out for jobs, but the situation is the same everywhere.”

Companies that are into providing technical and engineering services are faring better as they are still getting highly paid projects. Engineers who are already on long-term projects are also a little more secure, but for thousands of IT professionals with two years or less experience, the dread of that final email or pink slip is a reality.

... contd.