Zoho forgoes appraisals as CEO Vembu renews push for diaspora returns

Zoho Corporation has eliminated performance appraisals as part of its evolving human resources approach, while founder and Chief Executive Sridhar Vembu maintains his public stance encouraging non-resident Indians to return from the United States to India. The decision to forgo traditional appraisals marks a notable shift in the company's employee management framework, signalling a departure from conventional performance evaluation systems adopted across the technology sector. Vembu, who has been vocal about India's talent retention and the potential of diaspora professionals contributing to the domestic economy, has used the company as a platform to demonstrate alternative workplace models. His advocacy aligns with a broader narrative about India's capacity to retain and attract high-skilled workers, particularly those currently based in the United States seeking better quality of life or professional opportunities closer to home. The tech entrepreneur has previously articulated concerns about brain drain and the advantages of fostering talent development within India's growing technology ecosystem. Zoho's operational decisions under Vembu's leadership often reflect these ideological positions, positioning the Chennai-based company as an alternative model within India's competitive software and services industry.