My article on Corporate Trends (published in ET Madras Plus (dated 24.2.2007))

Corporate trends

Get Away, to work

ET M+ takes a look at the evolving corporate culture that seeks to keep its executives happy…
M D S PrabuGet a fix on this - a cool-looking dude lounges comfortably by an aqua pool, sipping something that looks tall, cool and refreshing. And he’s not on holiday! His laptop takes all his attention, yet his entire body-language screams `relaxed’! Welcome to the corporate world where employers are realizing the importance of rejuvenating their workforce, keeping them completely happy and energized. Jayanthi Vaidyanathan, Director, Human Resources, Covansys India, agrees, "Such offsite experiential learning exercises are becoming popular since it brings in personal growth as a result of direct experiences in a setting outside of the routine of everyday work. Apart from de-stressing, it helps the employees know one another better." She adds that off-site does not necessarily mean discussing business strategy. "It could just be spending time out together, connecting up, resulting in better teaming." Many corporates do not observe a fixed framework for such leisure/work trips - since the most important feature is time availability. R Ram Kumar, Director, Corporate Marketing and Communications, Cognizant, also endorses the concept. "We recently had our European leadership and business development strategy offsite program in Goa. This was attended by approximately 70 senior professionals from across our European and Indian operations," he informs ET M+. He opines that apart from strong networking, offsite working and get-togethers help in establishing a high degree of bonhomie and camaraderie. How else are offsite exercises beneficial? Drawing a direct relationship with productivity, Ram reveals that these exercises at Cognizant are a good mix of work and fun which help in relaxation and returning to work re-invigorated. "In the IT industry, a company’s success is primarily dependant on team work and team leadership; as such, offsite meetings help greatly in strengthening these key attributes," he points out. Jayanthi tells us that it has definitely helped in personal growth, bonding people together and energizing them which ultimately contribute to retention. Ravi Vishwanathan, Vice President of Tata Consultancy Services feels that offsite holidays give one fair time to brainstorm. "The primary objective is brainstorming in an atmosphere where one is free from the day-to-day office routine. Only when you are out of office cubicles are you tension-free." These exercises are always conducted on Saturdays or other holidays in TCS. "Ultimately the deliverables to the client matters and there should be no compromise on the time required for executing projects," says Ravi. "At Cognizant," reveals Ram, "These exercises are done business unit wise, location wise, and function wise involving employees across all levels in the organisation. These sessions are generally spread over two-three days. Usually, half the time is spent on discussing and strategizing on business. The remaining time is spent on team building activities and on having fun or partying. Besides, we also bring in external experts who moderate the sessions, and give presentations on strategically thought out leadership themes with case studies from across the industry." Jai Mundra who operates Events, an event management company, says that this is the norm now in many corporates. Preferred destinations, Jai tells us, include distantly located farm houses and other recreational sites. "They make a great impact both on the employer and employee. While it is a sense of renewal for the employee, the employer is able to have a check on attrition," says Jai. Udeep B, CEO of Mayajaal reveals, "We have companies coming in here all the time. With lots of leisure options in one spot here (movie, bowling, resorts), we are one of the preferred choices most of the time. Almost 30% of our revenue comes from entertaining such projects." So work, need no more be boring - it can be leisure too, if more corporates get into the act!