New mantra to retain employees: Mix fun with work

NEW DELHI: Corporates are going out of the way to provide employees with a comfortable and interactive atmosphere and give avenues to relieve the stress from routine work, making them stick to their jobs longer.

With the job market booming, pressure on professional front is on the rise as well, and companies are trying to strike a balance by initiating 'stress-buster' activities such as get-togethers, adventure trips, employee bands, in-house interactive newsletters and others, experts say.

This differentiates a sought-after employer from a neglected one, Apollo International Chief HR Officer Vijay Rai told.

"We want to bring out the 'Wow' factor in our employees. We give them a platform to express their view about their workplace and encourage them to perform best. The effort is to develop an endearing image so that they say 'Wow! This is my dream company, I want to come, stay and work here," Rai said.

At Apollo International, a weekly newsletter called "Chai-time" presents diverse views, insights and opinions posted by employees, connecting them at personal level. Birthday bashes, occasional parties, picnics and competitions are also held to aid free two-way flow of informal interaction.

"I believe internal PR is very important for HR and this initiative helps in creating that 'Wow' factor which attracts new people and keep the old ones glued in an organisation," Rai added.

"We encourage people to do what interests them," Birlasoft Vice-President (HR) Narendra Puppala said.

A one-day cultural and competitive event titled 'Spandan' is organised at Birlasoft every month. During this event, cricket matches and employee band performances are organised, giving the workforce an opportunity to move away from the office desk.

The company sends employees to nearby tourist areas or adventurous trips of their choice, besides food allowances on a quarterly basis where employees go out for dinner together in small groups.

The ITeS sector has a tougher task on this front with employees sacrificing much of their social life for work.

"Working in an international environment, they are not even entitled to public holidays, it can really bring down their morale," says Infovision President Aditya Gupta.

Infovision has a special committee to look after this need, it organises events on a regular basis to provide informal interactive sessions which leads to a sense of "being looked after" in the employees.

On public holidays, festivities are held within the office premises so that employees feel at home. Occasional get-togethers and quarterly events are also organised to improve the bonding between employees.