Employees Chant 'We Want Hike' As HCL CEO Takes The Stage During Chennai Event; Internet Says 'Corporate Way Of Begging'

A video from HCLTech’s 50th anniversary celebrations in Chennai has taken social media by storm after employees were heard chanting “We want hike” as CEO C. Vijayakumar stepped onto the stage.

The unexpected moment, captured during the company’s golden jubilee event, has reignited conversations around salary hikes, employee satisfaction and workplace culture across India’s IT industry.

According to videos circulating on X and other social media platforms, the incident took place during a private event organised exclusively for HCL employees as part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

HCL has been hosting a series of events and concerts across multiple cities to commemorate the milestone, with the Chennai edition featuring a live performance

for employees.

The now-viral clip begins with a giant image of CEO C. Vijayakumar displayed on the venue’s large screen before he makes his way onto the stage. As he is welcomed by loud cheers from the audience, a section of employees begins chanting, “We want hike!”

The slogan gradually grows louder as Vijayakumar greets those gathered for the event, creating an unexpected moment during the celebrations.

Within hours of being shared online, the video attracted widespread attention and quickly became a talking point across social media platforms.

While some users viewed the chants as a reflection of growing frustration among employees over salary hikes, others argued that such concerns should have been raised through formal internal channels rather than at a public company event.

One user criticised the employees for their public demonstration, writing, “If this were Elon Musk he would have told these brats on stage to “take a hike!” . This Gen Z is really spoilt – do they think this is Jantar Mantar where they can do their stunts?”

When the CEO of HCL came on stage, employees started chanting, “We want a hike!” pic.twitter.com/hty1tNGp26

— Nandkishor (@devops_nk) July 27, 2026

Another user supported the employees’ actions, saying, “Yea, now thats the only way to be heard by your employer whose leadership sits on a pile of money and gives the petty employees just a handful.”

A third user felt the frustration was understandable but believed there was a more appropriate way to communicate it. The comment read, “Which is worst thing, have to be addressed in a proper channel. Agree that they are in frustration.”

Another person questioned corporate priorities and wrote, “Employees should be given proper hike instead of founders donating lots of money charity when your own employee who had worked is not paid off.”

Meanwhile, another user criticised the employees’ conduct, commenting, “It shows the lack of professionalism of the employees. If they have skill find better paying job.”