FLEXIBILITY
India's Rudram-1 Missile: How does it stack up against global competitors?
Rudram 1 Missile: India has successfully tested its first indigenous anti-radiation missile, the Rudram-1, developed by DRDO for the Indian Air Force. Integrated with Sukhoi-30MKI jets, it targets radiation sources with INS-GPS navigation and a Passive Homing Head, crucial for Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD). Compared globally, Rudram-1 enhances India's SEAD capabilities against adversaries like the US (AGM-88 HARM), Russia (Kh-58), UK (ALARM), China (FT-2000), Iran (Hormoz-2), and Brazil (MAR-1). This milestone strengthens India's defense against regional threats, showcasing its technological prowess and commitment to indigenous defense innovation.
Global Capability Centres drive office leasing in H1 2024, with a 37% share
India's office leasing market is dominated by Global Capability Centres (GCCs), with 37% of total leasing activity in January to June 2024. The country's robust workforce, competitive costs, and established ecosystem make it a key market for GCCs. With a projected 20% growth in GCC presence by 2025, the Indian office market is poised for significant expansion. 67% of GCCs plan to increase their office portfolios by over 10% in the next two years.
Corporates embrace more flexibility amidst the hybrid work model
About 30% of occupiers are expected to expand their use of flexible office space over the next 12 months, while 17% are likely to consolidate their offices into fewer locations, CBRE said in its latest ‘2024 India Office Occupier Survey’.
Diversity initiatives are bringing more women to certain roles: Survey
Indian companies are prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, with varying levels of women's representation across roles highlighted in a Manpower Group survey. Administrative and operational roles show higher female presence, while top-level management and STEM roles exhibit lower representation. Key findings emphasize the importance of trust, relationship building, and technology-driven solutions like AI for unbiased recruitment.
Awfis plans to raise seats by 50% in FY25
Awfis Space Solutions targets a 50% seat expansion to 135,000, focusing on managed office spaces to drive revenue growth. The company plans to add 40,000 seats by FY25, with new centers following a managed aggregation model. Sobia Khan's report highlights the successful addition of 15,084 seats, primarily under the managed aggregation approach.
WeWork India appoints Janak Malkani to drive expansion in managed office business
WeWork India has appointed Janak Malkani as the head of managed office and sales for the West region. Malkani's extensive real estate experience will enhance WeWork India's managed office offerings, with a focus on innovative and efficient workspace solutions. WeWork India's flexible workspace market has seen significant growth, with a third of its business driven by the Managed Office portfolio, serving notable enterprise members.
Flexible workspace operator Smartworks raises Rs 168 crore
“Capital from the latest fund raising will be used for the growth and expansion of the business of the company and to meet its general corporate expenses,” said Neetish Sarda, founder Smartworks.
Flexible workspace operator Spring House leases 300,000 sq fr at MVN Aero One mall in Gurgaon
Spring House secured 300,000 sq ft at Gurgaon's MVN Aero One mall, offering cost-effective office spaces. The location caters to diverse demands, including from large enterprises and startups focusing on research and development operations.
SAIL rolls out work flexibility to net talent; to add 1,000 at entry level people in FY25
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is introducing work flexibility and agility for over 55,000 employees, with plans to hire over 1000 entry-level workers in FY25. The aim is to attract Gen Zs, retain talent, and increase productivity. SAIL introduced the 'Work from Other Than Workplace' policy in May 2024, which has already been used for learning and developmental activities.
Beyond the paycheck: What employees look for and how employers can fix hiring gaps
The changing work culture is causing a gap between employer and employee expectations in hiring and retention. Companies struggle with mismatched salary expectations, required skills, and cultural fit issues. Nonprofits and FMCG companies face the most challenges. Many employees in India and Asia Pacific prioritize flexibility and career progression. Ageism is evident, especially in sectors like Insurance.
Flexibility, salary key jobseeker parameters for new roles in India: Report
Indian workers are demanding higher salaries to cope with rising living costs and to feel valued. Flexibility is another key concern, as per Michael Page India's Talent Trends 2024 report. Employers need to focus on broader aspects like workplace culture, diversity, equity, and inclusion to attract and retain talent. The report highlighted workplace discrimination in India and emphasised the need to address various generational priorities and challenges in different sectors.
Not just employers with benefits! India Inc looks to be more to woo talent
Corporate India is offering new-age benefits, realizing that attracting and retaining talent requires more than just high salaries. Cos offer new-age perks like cash for self-development, health insurance for siblings and pet care to woo talent
As work-from-home trend declines, flexible office spaces work for employees and companies
Providing convenience and flexibility for employees on one hand, cost-effectiveness, and asset-light models for employers on the other, coworking/managed spaces are booming. Demand for such spaces is soaring in large metros and Tier-2 cities alike as companies tighten return-to-office rules.
Global capability centres go big on hiring gig employees
India's multinational hubs are increasingly turning to hiring contingent workers to meet immediate talent needs while remaining cautious about permanent recruitment due to a bearish global outlook. There has been a significant rise in demand for gig employees in the last six months, with an expected increase of up to 70,000 gig workers in the next six months. This trend allows companies to create a balanced workforce that is agile and cost-effective, with access to specialized skills.
Initiatives on track to increase women’s participation across levels, say 54% Indian employers – much above global average of 46%
Internal leadership development programmes, followed by flexible working policies, most effective in helping retain and secure diverse talent, finds ManpowerGroup Diversity Outlook Survey
Companies become stricter on return-to-office mandates, but considerate on employee needs
As the market shifts from being an 'employees' to an 'employer's market', return to office calls have been getting louder, with some companies even penalising employees who don't toe the line. However, while expanded flexibility is discretionary, there are several such examples across organisations.
IT companies are deploying new tricks to lure staff to office
IT firms are implementing measures to encourage office attendance post-pandemic, curtailing the flexibility granted during COVID-19. Employees face compliance pressure, risking consequences for non-adherence. Cognizant introduces a roster app, while TCS ties variable pay to office presence. Dell adopts a tracking system; Wipro emphasizes on-campus engagement, contrasting Infosys's hybrid approach.
Razorpay revamps health insurance policy, provides coverage for vital medical treatments
Razorpay unveils new employee health insurance policy covering vital treatments like HIV/AIDS and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Employees can customize plans to include siblings, LGBTQIA+ partners, and enhanced maternity benefits. The move aligns with the trend of personalized, comprehensive healthcare offerings in India.
India’s monthly hiring rises 3% in March: Foundit
Hiring in India rose 3% sequentially in March, but fell 4% year-on-year, reflecting global economic uncertainties. White-collar gig hiring surged 184% year-on-year, led by the IT sector, which accounted for 46% of gig jobs. Metro cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai spearheaded gig employment, offering cost-effective solutions and flexibility.
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