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Working beyond the metropolitan (View Comments)
Unnati Narang
Posted On Friday, May 07, 2010 at 06:55:44 PM
To overcome the shortcomings of setting base in smaller cities, many companies are now looking to expand operations in non-metro regions. Are the employees geared up for it? Let’s find out.
Little did Aakash know that less than a year after his joining his dream company in Mumbai, he would be transferred to the company’s office at a much smaller, fairly remote destination. Never having lived in a non-metro, it was definitely a challenge. He was expecting to see no malls, no facilities at his new accommodation and certainly not a well developed infrastructural set up. To his surprise, after the initial resistance, he found himself comfortably settled in a more relaxed environment and a more productive worklife. India today, is full of examples like Aakash. As companies have set up bases in smaller cities, employees are also looking at the prospects. The cost-effectiveness and availability of untapped pool of qualified people in smaller cities are big drivers for many companies. In addition to local talent, employees based in metros are also opening up to this fresh opportunity.
Take the case of Parikshit Ojha, Senior Director of Customer Operations, Flytxt. Coming from a city like Delhi and having been in metros or abroad for most part of his career, working in a small city like Trivandrum is a new experience. Ojha shares his experience, “It is my first job in a small city like Trivandrum, and so far, it has been great. The city is refreshing and harmonious, quite a welcome break from the mad rush of the metros. Yes, I was initially apprehensive as I had never heard much of Trivandrum except for tourist destinations like Kovalam. Lack of awareness is the main reason for apprehensions about smaller cities. True, Initial adjustments are always difficult. Improvements in infrastructure and lifestyle support systems can significantly ease the process. Great talent is now available in smaller cities. For employees, small cities do not necessarily translate to poorer pay cheques.”
Challenges of smaller cities
Employment landscape is changing rapidly. Working in smaller cities creates mutual win-wins for both employer and the employees. Companies are now flocking to tier II and tier III cities. Yet, many challenges remain. Rajesh Mathachan, Vice President, HR, Flytxt explains, “The biggest challenge is the pre-conceived notions about smaller cities. Small cities have a long way to go when it comes to basic infrastructure like good roads, flight connectivity with other cities and lifestyle features like multiplexes. The challenge most of the companies here face is attracting young professionals with an experience of three to five years who are mostly bachelors. We hope that with improved lifestyle facilities, infrastructure and more air and rail connectivity, things will change further. It is important to promote the advantages and huge employment potentials of small cities.”
HR – Catalyzing Agents
To make the transition easy for employees, HR managers must cooperate and offer support at all times. Mathachan advises, “Bringing together a critical mass of creative workers and fostering a positive, multicultural environment will be essential if smaller cities are to compete with bigger cities. Now there is a shift in hiring trend as well. Priorities of employees are changing; there are more takers if the job is enterprising and the technology is innovative and promising. In such cases, location becomes irrelevant. The most effective retention strategy would be converting employees into brand ambassadors. It is very important to value the individual contributions of each person, appreciate and reward them appropriately. Our focus has always been on empowering employees with opportunities to grow.”
Thallin S Shetty, Senior Executive, Human Resources, Tavant Technologies, further suggests, “Employees, whether in small or large cities must be made to feel special. If provided adequate training, nurturing and support system at work, they are likely to settle more comfortably in the smaller cities also. Ultimately, work satisfaction and a feeling of belongingness must be inculcated. The company should focus on leveraging its brand value and giving greater growth opportunity with an entrepreneurial base to employees. Their talent should be nurtured. Work-life balance in small cities is fairly easy but it should not be taken for granted.”
Huge opportunities are being created and tapped in small cities every day. Are you geared up to be part of this shift?
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