Delhi Event report
Webinar on Preparing Indo-French Organisations for India’s New Wage Codes: A Practical Roadmap
IFCCI HR Committee in collaboration with EY hosted a webinar on India’s New Wage Codes: A Practical Roadmap
The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), under its HR Committee, and in collaboration with EY, organised a webinar titled “Preparing Indo-French Organisations for India’s New Wage Codes: A Practical Roadmap” on 24th February 2026. The session provided an overview of the implementation status and organisational implications of India’s four Labour Codes.
Ms. Jyotsna Mansukhani, Head HR & Recruitment Services, IFCCI, opened the session by highlighting the HR Committee’s initiatives in promoting knowledge-sharing and compliance awareness among member organisations.
Ms. Sonu Iyer, Partner and India Region Leader, People Advisory Services, EY, outlined the regulatory landscape, noting that while the Labour Codes were enacted earlier, operationalisation is approaching with draft rules issued and final notifications awaited. She encouraged organisations to use this period for structured preparation, focusing on workforce classification, the revised wage definition, and broader financial and governance implications.
Mr. Puneet Gupta, Partner, EY, emphasised the importance of correctly distinguishing between “employee” and “worker,” as several statutory protections apply specifically to workers. He also discussed the introduction of a uniform wage definition, which broadens the wage base and may impact statutory benefits, payroll structures, and employer costs. The session further touched upon fixed-term employment parity, welfare obligations, and the need to reassess compliance frameworks in light of the new regime.
Key Highlights from the Webinar
- Structured Implementation Roadmap:
Conduct workforce classification reviews, analyse wage structures, and undertake financial impact modelling. Follow a phased transition plan covering diagnostics, compensation restructuring, policy updates, and payroll alignment with cross-functional involvement. - Compliance Risks & Regulatory Sensitivities:
Address risks related to worker misclassification, incorrect wage exclusions, and state-level variations. Strengthen documentation, legal review, and internal audits to mitigate exposure. - Compensation & Payroll Impact:
Reassess CTC design and allowance structures in light of the revised wage definition. Update payroll systems and plan for potential increases in statutory liabilities. - Policy & Governance Alignment:
Review and update HR policies, employment contracts, standing orders, and governance mechanisms to ensure consistency with the new legal framework. - Operational Readiness & Best Practices:
Anticipate challenges related to workforce segmentation, system readiness, and employee communication. Adopt a proactive, phased approach with leadership oversight and early impact assessment for a smooth transition.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A Session with the participants.
