Asia’s Top Workplaces 2024: Great Place To Work’s Key Insights from 2.7 Million Employees

Mumbai, August 29, 2024: Great Place To Work®, the leading authority in workplace culture is delighted to announce the Best Workplaces™ in Asia for 2024. This year’s list celebrates organizations that have gone above and beyond to cultivate work environments, where all the employees are empowered, engaged, and valued.

Drawing from the insights of over 2.7 million employees across Asia and the Middle East and analyzing workplace practices affecting more than 6.9 million individuals, this year’s list highlights the companies setting the gold standard in employee experience and Workplace Culture. These organizations represent a wide range of industries, but they all share a common goal: creating workplaces where people thrive and, in turn, drive their companies toward greater success. Despite earning recognition on one or more of our Best Workplaces lists in their respective countries, these leading companies have also showcased their dedication to employee well-being, development, and inclusion on a regional scale.

Speaking about the announcement, Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work® India, said, “At the heart of a thriving workplace lies the ability to connect deeply with individuals beyond roles and titles. These Indian organizations being named among the Best Workplaces in Asia in 2024 aren’t merely an accolade but a powerful testament to their commitment to embracing the collective human spirit. Their success stems from the understanding that true progress is driven by diversity, collaboration, and the courage to challenge conventional norms. These organizations have not only built cultures where inclusion transcends being a lofty ideal but where it has become a lived, daily practice. Support is ingrained in every aspect of their operations, offered unconditionally and embraced wholeheartedly, while inspiration radiates throughout. This recognition reflects their relentless pursuit of excellence—not just in terms of performance metrics but in prioritizing uplifting one another as people first, and thereby fostering a deep sense of belonging and purpose. At Great Place To Work India, we aim to continue recognizing these workplace ecosystems that inspire every voice and empower organizations to innovate boldly. Together, we share a vision for a more inclusive, compassionate, and forward-thinking future that enhances work and life.”

Here are some of the best workplaces recognized for their exceptional culture and employee satisfaction, listed in no particular order:

Best Small and Medium Enterprises from India:

• Crest Digitel Private Limited
• Pearl Academy
• STT Global Data Centres India Private Limited

 Best Large Enterprises from India:

• REA India Pte. Ltd. (Housing, PropTiger and Makaan)
• Varthana Finance Private Limited
• Aye Finance Private Limited

 Best MNCs from India:

• Hilti
• IHG
• Cisco

The organizations featured on this year’s list have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating workplaces where employees feel valued, respected, and motivated to contribute their best. Their innovative practices and dedication to excellence have not only earned them this prestigious recognition but also position them as leaders in driving positive change across the region.

Great Place To Work is proud to celebrate these remarkable organizations and their contributions to creating a better world through outstanding workplace cultures.

AI disrupting retail with intuitive search, engagement tools Two-day India D2C Summit decodes disruption in retail on Day 1

Mumbai, August 29, 2024: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the consumption space by reducing time and cost for retailers and customers through their search engine tools of conversation and engagement aided by rising active internet users, according to a cross-section of industry experts at the India D2C Summit 2024.

Indian jewellery chain Tanishq reduced CAC (customer acquisition cost) by 38% with Google’s AI powered omni-channel solutions, said Bhaskar Ramesh, Director – Omnichannel Businesses, Google India delivering his keynote address on Day 1 of the two-day summit here in Mumbai.

Similarly, Tira Beauty, an omnichannel beauty retail platform, owned by Reliance Retail, revolutionized product discoverability by leveraging Google’s GenAI capabilities that led to 50% increase in organic click, conversational value improvement by 27% and increase in online ROAS (return on ad spend) by 47%, said Bhaskar Ramesh.

Generative AI capabilities will transform the retail industry by driving hyper personalization, improve visual experience as part of customer experience; boost market ROI (return on investment) with profitable growth and reduce creative cost with improved operational efficiency, Ramesh said.

The redefining retail space by the new age shoppers is significantly seen driven more by visuals these days than keywords or filters as visuals and voice search can increase digital commerce revenue by 30%, according to Gartner and 72% prefer product info in native language according to Harvard Business Review.

However, retailers are also exploring artificial intelligence tools beyond the well-known legacy search engines at one-tenth the cost, said Shridhar Marri, CEO & Founder, Flyfish, that offers multimodal AI search for e-commerce entities.

“If there is one investment that a new age e-commerce retailer can make, it is multimodal search that includes image, voice and is multilingual,” Marri said, adding that AI catalogue curator could aid image search, forecast demand and recommend products for the user.

Experts also attributed the entire euphoria about AI tools to the increased internet penetration and tech start-ups.

Speaking at the summit, Sanket Deodhar, Vice President, SAP India said, “India will have over 900 million active internet users by 2025, of which 56% of all new internet users will be rural areas and 65% will be female.”

“The perfect search engine should understand exactly what you mean and give you back exactly what you need,” Ramesh said, quoting Larry Page – an American businessman and computer scientist best known for co-founding Google with Sergey Brin.

The Indian tech space will continue to be disrupted with the country having 1.8 lakh tech start-ups by 2030 compared to 68,000 in 2023, Deodhar said.

Lg Electronics Announces Life’s Good Scholarship Program

New Delhi, August 29, 2024 – LG Electronics, India’s leading consumer durable brand, has announced its flagship CSR initiative, the Life’s Good Scholarship Program. This initiative aims to support students across India in their academic journey by providing financial assistance to pursue higher education, including focus on promoting girl child education.

LG Electronics India today successfully hosted the first edition of its flagship scholarship program at its Corporate Office Noida. At the event MD – LG Electronics India felicitated scholars from 3 institutes- Galgotias University, Jaipuria Institute of Management & Lloyd Law College.

The Life’s Good Scholarship Program is open to students from any academic year of higher education, provided they meet the minimum eligibility criteria of securing at least 60% in their previous class. The scholarships will be awarded based on two key criteria: need-based and merit-based selection.

Under the need-based category, 25% of the scholarships will be reserved for students coming from a humble background. The merit-based scholarships, on the other hand, will be awarded to students who have achieved a minimum of 75% marks in their 12th-grade exams or a 7 GPA in subsequent academic years. Importantly, 25% of the scholarship will be allocated to meritorious female students, in line with the program’s objective of promoting girl child education.

The financial assistance will be 50% of tuition fees or up to INR 1 lakh for undergraduate students and up to INR 2 lakh for postgraduate students, whichever is lesser.

Commenting on the same, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, MD, LG Electronics India said, “At LG Electronics India, our commitment extends beyond delivering innovative products and services; we strive to make a tangible difference in people’s lives through meaningful initiatives. Health & Nutrition, Education & Skilling are core areas where we focus our CSR efforts. With the Life’s Good Scholarship Program, we aim to inspire and support young minds in pursuing higher education and achieving their dreams. We believe that education is fundamental to societal progress and economic empowerment.”

Mr. Ashutosh Burnwal, Founder & CEO, Buddy4Study said, “We greatly appreciate LG Electronics India for their commitment to supporting education through the Life’s Good Scholarship Program. At Buddy4Study, we are proud to collaborate on this initiative, which empowers deserving students, especially from underprivileged backgrounds, to pursue their academic dreams. This program is a crucial step in ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of talented youth across India.”

The Life’s Good Scholarship is a collaborative effort with the NGO Buddy4Study Foundation, which will help identify and support talented youth, ensuring equal access to education for both meritorious and underprivileged students. Through this initiative, LG Electronics aims to make a meaningful impact by reducing financial barriers to education and fostering the growth of future leaders.

From Dalal Street to Wall Street: A Brief Overview

“From Dalal Street to Wall Street” examines the transformation of Indian financial markets and their expanding global integration. Over recent decades, India has modernized its financial system through key reforms, such as the establishment of the National Stock Exchange and the adoption of electronic trading. This evolution has attracted significant foreign investment and enhanced market efficiency, positioning Indian markets as increasingly interconnected with global financial systems.

 The report highlights both the opportunities and challenges arising from this integration. While global capital inflows and market connectivity offer growth prospects, they also expose Indian markets to international economic fluctuations and geopolitical risks. To address these challenges, Indian regulators have implemented reforms to maintain market stability and align with global best practices. The future outlook remains positive, with continued growth anticipated despite the need to navigate potential risks.

 By- Yogesh Kansal, Cofounder & CMO, Appreciate

 Now is a great time to invest in the US markets. The inflation trajectory is on a downhill, and everybody is counting on the possibility of a rate cut in September. Meanwhile, the market correction of August 5 gave a much-needed breather to the markets, and since then, the US indices have been vaulting upwards.

 Our new report ‘From Dalal Street to Wall Street’ aims to help Indian investors looking to diversify, and find strong pools of value in the US markets. The technology, semiconductors, financials and pharmaceutical segments have been delivering stellar returns, and if the September rate cuts come through — as is largely anticipated — then the US party will likely be longer and louder.

 A glance at the gains delivered by US ETFs last year shows that they have outperformed many of the Indian mutual funds. Take, for instance, the Nasdaq 100 Technology Sector index which gave close to 70% returns last year. The VanEck Semiconductors ETF managed to top that by delivering around 75% returns. Investors who are accommodating of more risk can opt for alternative asset ETFs like the First Trust SkyBridge Digital Economy ETF, which delivered stunning 193% gains last year, albeit with higher volatility.

 In any case, the performance of players like Nvidia (169% returns in 1 year), Super Micro Computer (138%) KKR & Co (100%) or Spotify (157%) or Meta (84.38%) speaks for itself. Several US stocks have delivered such outsized returns, and Indian investors can amp up their gains, by spreading their investments to the US shores. Further, domestic investors also benefit from the consistent trend of USD appreciation, which adds 3-5% to the total annual returns in addition to portfolio gains.

 Besides profiting from large cap stocks, new market movements indicate that a fund rotation is afoot, and profits booked by institutional players are finding their way to the small-cap segment. The small-cap space is still under-valued, and discerning Indian retail investors can build wealth by zeroing in on quality small-cap stocks.

HDFC Bank launches Edtech platform for students planning to study abroad at Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai

Mumbai, August 29, 2024: HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, today announced the launch of its Edtech platform at the Global Fintech Fest 2024 in Mumbai. which will serve as a payment gateway for students pursuing education overseas. This will assist in digitizing overseas Education remittance payments flow from existing offline modes of funding overseas transfers.

HDFC Bank will partner with educational consultants/aggregators, to enable students to send money abroad to universities. The solution will assist in smoothly enabling these partners/consultants offer the convenience of digital payments and ensure compliance with extant RBI guidelines via the HDFC Bank Edtech platform connection, thereby providing convenience to students and reduce payment drop-offs.

As per an estimate by the Ministry of External Affairs, over 13 lakh Indian students are expected to go abroad for educational purposes. Together all the Indian Banks handle transactions worth about $ 3.5 billion which is 11 per cent of total Liberalised Remittance Services. This segment of Education consultants and aggregators holds immense growth potential as they offer a complete suite of services and handhold a large number of students seeking to study overseas.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Jatinder Gupta, Business Head and EVP – Retail Trade and Forex, HDFC Bank said, “We are excited to launch our new Edtech platform – a payments solution for students aspiring to pursue their education dreams abroad. This will help make the journey quicker and smoother. The offering from HDFC Bank is a part of our focus on customer centricity and our commitment to evolve alongside changing customer expectations”.

Ryan Edunation Appoints Vinod Sharma as COO

Bangalore, 29 August 2024: Ryan Edunation, a leading operator of K-12 institutions across India, has announced the appointment of Vinod Sharma as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the organization. Sharma previously served as the Chief Marketing Officer, Senior Vice President, and Business Head at Ryan Edunation. With over a decade of experience in the education sector, Sharma brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this pivotal role.

In his new position as COO, Vinod Sharma will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Ryan Edunation’s schools, implementing strategic plans to enhance educational outcomes, and ensuring that the institutions continue to provide the highest quality education to students. He will work closely with the Central Management and the leadership team to drive the organization’s mission forward and uphold its core values.

Ryan Pinto, CEO of Ryan Group of Institutions, expressed his enthusiasm about Sharma’s appointment, stating, “Vinod has a proven track record of leadership and innovation within the education sector. His extensive experience in managing school operations and driving marketing initiatives will be instrumental in furthering our mission to nurture future-ready global citizens. We are confident that under his leadership, Ryan Edunation will continue to set high standards for delivering quality education and creating impactful learning experiences for our students.”

With over 26 years of experience in marketing and sales across FMCG, Life insurance and education sectors, Sharma has developed and executed effective strategies to drive revenue, profitability, customer retention, and brand visibility for the organization. He holds an MBA in marketing from Siva Sivani Institute of Management, Andhra Pradesh and completed the Executive Education Programme in Digital Marketing from Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

Vinod Sharma, COO of Ryan Edunation stated, “I am honored to take on this new role and excited about the opportunities ahead. Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to driving innovative educational practices that empower our students and prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Ryan Edunation operates schools in six cities across India, including Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Surat. The organization is known for its innovative KASSM (Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, Social and Moral Values) approach, which aims to develop well rounded individuals. Ryan Edunation offers a range of elective courses like coding club, student exchange programme, and much more. This employs innovative curriculum practices to prepare students for the evolving global landscape.

This appointment marks a significant step in the organization’s commitment to excellence in education. This highlights Ryan Edunation’s dedication in nurturing future-ready citizens, as well as staying ahead in the K-12 education space. Under the guidance of Vinod Sharma, the organization has all the reasons to believe it can sustain the pace of growth and excellence in educational services.

ANSR Acquires hrEntries to Elevate Global Talent Management with AI-Powered Solutions

India 29th August 2024: ANSR, the market leader in developing strategic Global Capability Centers (GCCs), today announced the acquisition of hrEntries, a premier Human Capital Management system (HCM) platform, in an all-stock deal. This acquisition seamlessly integrates with ANSR’s core business strategy and expands its suite of technology solutions, providing clients with a comprehensive end-to-end platform for global team management.

hrEntries adds to ANSR’s “GCC SuperApp” stack, a comprehensive technology platform providing Talent, Workspace, HR Ops and Payroll solutions to enable the world’s best businesses in building and managing Global Centers efficiently. This strategic move reinforces ANSR’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enable organizations to scale and run a Global Center rapidly and effectively.

Sharad Deshpande, a seasoned technology leader and entrepreneur, founded hrEntries with a wealth of experience in leading and commercializing software products for major global B2B brands across various industries. Driven by a deep passion for creating high-performance, modern products for international markets, Sharad successfully steered hrEntries from its inception to full commercialization. Under his leadership, the company has delivered an exceptional employee experience through a unified platform that simplifies HR operations and eliminates the need for multiple, disparate solutions.

Vikram Ahuja, Co-Founder, ANSR and CEO, Talent500, said: “As Global Capability Centers rapidly emerge as a key strategic priority for global businesses, we are excited to expand our GCC SuperApp stack and focus on delivering exceptional experiences for our customers and GCC employees. The acquisition of hrEntries, now rebranded as Rise, aligns perfectly with our goal to simplify GCC operations and provide transparency, flexibility and control to our customers in how their global centers run and operate.

hrEntries will be rebranded as Rise, joining ANSR’s comprehensive platform of AI-led talent solutions, including Talent500, Leap and Loop. hrEntries/Rise offers unified solution for digital onboarding and offboarding, payroll management, benefits administration, expense tracking and contract management. This integration streamlines HR operations, empowering organizations to manage global teams more effectively and achieve greater success.

Talent500 is a 2.5M+ strong community of GCC professionals while Leap is an AI-powered sourcing, screening and workflow management tool. Loop delivers continuous candidate engagement and employer branding activities, enhancing retention.

AI-Powered Efficiency

At the core of this acquisition is the integration of artificial intelligence into global team management. The AI-driven HCM platform delivers advanced capabilities, including:

• Intelligent Employee Engagement: Conversational interfaces that enhance communication and support employee interaction.
• Predictive Analytics: Insights into workforce productivity and integration, essential for the success of global Centers.
• Automated Compliance Checks: Ensuring adherence to international labor laws through smart compliance tools.
• Smart Onboarding Processes: Customizable onboarding experiences that adapt to each employee’s role and location.

By leveraging these AI-powered features, ANSR aims to drive efficiency and innovation in global team management, helping organizations navigate the complexities of international operations with ease.”Joining forces with ANSR and becoming part of their comprehensive talent solutions suite is a transformative milestone for us. Our AI-powered solutions are designed to revolutionize the HR experience, enabling companies to seamlessly onboard, manage, and engage their global workforce. This integration is a testament to our unwavering commitment to driving innovation and excellence in HR operations, helping businesses attract and retain the best talent in the industry,” said Sharad Deshpande, Founder of hrEntries.

How to choose a right plotted development project?

Gaurav K Singh, Founder & Chairman, Womeki Group

Choosing the right plotted development project is a critical decision that requires careful consideration and thorough research. Unlike buying a ready-to-move-in property, investing in a plotted development involves several layers of decision-making, from evaluating the location to understanding the legal and financial implications. The process may seem daunting, but with a systematic approach, you can ensure that your investment is both secure and rewarding.

The first and most crucial factor to consider is the location of the plotted development. The location not only determines the immediate livability of the area but also significantly influences the long-term appreciation of your investment. It’s essential to look for plots in areas with good connectivity to major roads, public transportation, and essential amenities like schools, hospitals, and shopping centers. The proximity to workplaces and the overall growth potential of the area are also vital considerations. An emerging locality with ongoing infrastructure developments often presents better investment prospects than a fully developed but saturated area.

Understanding the reputation and track record of the developer is another essential step in choosing the right plotted development project. A reliable developer with a history of delivering quality projects on time provides a level of assurance about the project’s completion and adherence to promised specifications. It’s advisable to research the developer’s past projects, seek out reviews from previous buyers, and, if possible, visit completed developments to assess the quality of work. A reputable developer is also more likely to ensure that the project complies with all regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of legal complications.

Legal due diligence is paramount when investing in plotted developments. Ensure that the land has a clear title, free from any disputes or encumbrances. It’s essential to verify that the developer has obtained all necessary approvals from the relevant authorities, including land conversion approvals, environmental clearances, and permits for utilities like water and electricity. Engaging a legal expert to scrutinize the property documents can save you from potential legal issues in the future. Additionally, understanding the zoning regulations of the area will help you ensure that the land can be used for the intended purpose, whether residential or commercial.

The availability and quality of infrastructure within the plotted development are critical aspects that can significantly impact your living experience and the property’s future value. Look for developments that offer well-planned internal roads, proper drainage systems, and reliable water and electricity supply. The presence of green spaces, parks, and recreational facilities can enhance the quality of life and make the development more attractive to future buyers if you decide to sell. Furthermore, developments that are part of a larger, master-planned community often offer better infrastructure and amenities, contributing to a more cohesive and livable environment.

Another important consideration is the size and layout of the plot itself. Ensure that the plot is of a suitable size for your intended use and that the layout allows for efficient utilization of space. The shape and dimensions of the plot can affect the design of the home you plan to build, so it’s essential to choose a plot that aligns with your vision. It’s also wise to check the orientation of the plot, as this can influence the amount of natural light and ventilation your home will receive, as well as energy efficiency.

The financial aspect of purchasing a plotted development should not be overlooked. Besides the cost of the plot, factor in the expenses for registration, stamp duty, and any other government charges. If you plan to build immediately, estimate the construction costs and arrange for financing if needed. It’s crucial to set a realistic budget and ensure that your investment will not strain your finances. If the project offers payment plans, assess whether the terms are favorable and align with your financial situation.

Finally, consider the potential for future appreciation and the exit strategy. While you may be purchasing the plot for immediate use, it’s wise to think long-term and evaluate the potential for property value appreciation. Factors like ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, the overall development of the surrounding area, and market trends can influence the future value of your investment. Additionally, assess the ease of selling the property if needed, including market demand and any resale restrictions imposed by the developer.