Exploring the Nexus of Innovation and Human Culture: Highlights from Great Place To Work’s For All Summit 2024

Great Place To Work® India, hosted its highly anticipated “For AllTM Summit 2024”, a pinnacle event in the realm of workplace culture. With an impressive turnout of over 600 participants including CEOs, CHROs, and professionals from diverse backgrounds spanning 20+ industries, the summit focused on cultivating a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture within organizations.

Featuring a lineup of more than 25 distinguished speakers, the summit provided a platform for insightful discussions on prevailing workplace dynamics. Topics ranged from strategies for nurturing human-centric cultures to employer branding, the science of people management, and optimizing human potential in the context of a hybrid work environment. Notable speakers included luminaries such as Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, Government of India; Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Dr. Sandhya Chintala, VP, NASSCOM; and PV Sindhu, Indian Badminton Player and World Champion, and more, each offering unique perspectives on shaping the future of work.

Yeshasvini Ramaswamy, Serial Entrepreneur & CEO of Great Place To Work®, India. said “For Great Place To Work® India, the Annual For All™ Summit 2024 marks a powerful beginning in our journey toward fostering a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture for workplaces across India. Collaborating with global leaders, and with the geo political climate that surrounds us,  we are poised to put into work the transformative potential of the 3T’s – Talent, Technology, and Trust – within workplace dynamics.

The Indian economy has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade, and the recent interim budget echoes a strategic continuation of this trajectory. With a focus on GDP – Governance, Development, and Performance, the government’s commitment to economic growth, well-being, and progress is evident. The optimistic projection of the Indian economy becoming the third-largest globally, reaching a GDP of $5 trillion, is indeed a promising outlook, signaling unprecedented growth in the coming years.

At Great Place To Work, our unwavering commitment to the For All™ philosophy fuels our endeavors. Our 2023 research across 2000+ organizations representing 5 million employee voices reveals it to be a year marked by Sustainability, Pride, and Fairness amidst rapid technological adoption. Best Workplaces™ not only excel in compensation but also set examples by fostering inclusive environments where diversity is integral, equity is an expectation, and every individual’s presence is valued.

As India positions itself globally, workplace transformations reverberate beyond borders. Upcoming GCC setups amplify anticipation, providing platforms for India to showcase economic prowess, technological transformation, inclusive development, innovation focus, and impactful workplace cultures.

Introducing the First Ever Workplace Culture App by Great Place To Work India – For All Community India marks a significant leap for us. It offers a platform to learn from global thought leaders and access best practices, exclusive case studies, and insights from our finest research reports, fostering a collaborative community for continuous improvement.

 

As stewards of a greater purpose, we recognize the significance of social sustenance. Our commitment extends beyond profits, encompassing respect for human rights, well-being, and inclusive growth. Through EACH ONE GET ONE, we invite India Inc. leaders to nominate and sponsor an NGO for our culture assessment program, amplifying our collective impact on societal well-being.

To the business leaders of India Inc., your resilience in adopting innovative tech-led hybrid environments has been crucial. On behalf of Great Place To Work India, I extend sincere gratitude for your participation in the For All Summit, making it a huge success. I am confident that the discussions, insights, and ideas shared will leave a lasting impact on our collective journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future.”

A highlight of the event was the unveiling of a comprehensive report titled “Key Insights Defining Workplace Culture in 2023.”Key takeaways from the report shed light on the significant potential for enhancing workplace culture across various industries. While the education sector emerged with promising trust levels, the biotechnology and pharmaceuticals industry were identified as needing improvement in this regard. Moreover, the importance of fair compensation, equitable treatment, and a conducive work environment was underscored, with statistics indicating a significant correlation between these factors and organizational greatness.

A notable trend highlighted in the report was India’s transition into an onshore manufacturing hub, driven by robust domestic demand and increasing global reliance on the sector. Projections suggest a threefold rise in demand by 2031, accompanied by an 11.6% compound annual growth rate in exports over the next decade.

During his session on Made in India, Mr. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa for the Government of India, delved into the remarkably robust and resilient growth story of Indian businesses.

Mr. Kant emphasized,” To stimulate significant job creation and sustainable growth, India’s manufacturing sector requires strategic development. This necessitates a multifaceted approach that not only focuses on industrial expansion but also addresses the imperative of enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering sustainable urbanization. Given India’s demographic trends, with a substantial migration from rural to urban areas projected over the next five decades, estimated at 20 Indians per minute, or 30 Indians per minute in some regions such as Mumbai, sustainable urbanization becomes paramount. With an anticipated 500 million Indians transitioning to urban environments, it is imperative that this urbanization is carefully planned and executed to ensure its sustainability.

This planned urbanization must encompass infrastructure development, efficient resource management, and the creation of livable spaces to accommodate the influx of people.

Furthermore, to catalyze economic growth and alleviate the pressure on the agricultural sector, a concerted effort is needed to facilitate the transition of rural populations into the manufacturing workforce. This entails investing in skill development, providing incentives for industrialization in rural areas, and fostering entrepreneurship to create employment opportunities beyond agriculture.

By strategically integrating manufacturing expansion, enhanced agricultural productivity, and sustainable urbanization initiatives, India can unlock its full economic potential while ensuring equitable development and environmental stewardship. This holistic approach is essential for fostering inclusive growth and meeting the evolving needs of India’s burgeoning population.”

The report also explored despite strides in ensuring physical safety in workplaces, challenges persist in areas such as psychological safety, flexibility, and fostering innovation. While most employees perceive their workplaces as physically safe, a notable percentage express concerns about psychological and emotional safety. Additionally, there has been a slight decline in the perception of innovation opportunities since 2022, indicating a need for renewed focus in this area. Also the report has highlighted experience of millennials varies significantly across industries, highlighting the importance of tailoring culture initiatives to specific contexts.

One of the overarching themes discussed was the importance of redefining women’s success in the workplace by fostering environments that support their growth and value their contributions. Strategies for creating great workplaces included expanding the talent pool through greater diversity and inclusivity, leveraging women’s influence to foster a supportive culture, and revolutionizing problem-solving approaches.

Overall, the For All Summit 2024 provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable insights aimed at driving positive change in workplace culture, ultimately paving the way for more inclusive, high-performing organizations.

How To Safeguard Your Data In This Digital World?

We live in this hyper-connected world, where our lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the internet. Hence, privacy has become more challenging and crucial than ever. From social media platforms to online transactions, our personal information is at risk of being exposed. However, with thoughtful practices and a proactive approach, individuals can take control of their digital footprint and safeguard their privacy.

Understand Your Digital Footprint – The basic step in protecting privacy is to be aware of your digital footprint. This includes the information you share online, such as social media posts, comments, and photos, as well as your online activities like searches and website visits. Also, regularly review your privacy settings on social media platforms.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords – One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance privacy is by using strong and unique passwords. Avoid using easily predictable passwords, instead use a complex mix of letters, numbers and special characters. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security through two-factor authentication to enhance the security of your accounts. Whether through a text message, authenticator app, or biometric verification, 2FA ensures that even if someone gains access to your password, they still need an additional verification step.

Be Cautious with Social Media – Social media platforms are hotbeds for privacy breaches. Review and adjust your privacy settings regularly, limit the personal information you share, and be cautious about accepting friend requests from strangers.

Regularly Update Software, and Review App Permissions – Keep your devices, operating systems, and applications up-to-date with the latest security patches. Also, while updating or installing apps, be mindful of the permissions you give. Some apps may ask for access to more information than necessary for their functionality. Review and adjust app permissions in your device settings to limit the data they can access.

Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) – A VPN adds an extra layer of protection by encrypting your internet connection, making it more challenging for third parties to monitor your online activities. Consider using a reputable VPN service, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks, to safeguard your data from potential eavesdroppers.

In conclusion, this hyper-connected digital era requires a proactive and an informed approach to safeguard our privacy. By educating ourselves on our digital footprints, habits, and best security practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of privacy breaches and securely navigate the digital landscape.

 

EET Hydrogen to proceed into final negotiations with UK Government to develop low carbon hydrogen plant in Ellesmere

EET Hydrogen is pleased to announce it has a statement of principles with the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero for its flagship HPP1 low-carbon hydrogen plant. Construction is expected to begin later this year.The signing of the statement of principles marks an agreement milestone between EET Hydrogen and the UK Government on key aspects of negotiations to date. EET Hydrogen and the UK Government will now enter final negotiations, with the aim of making a final decision later this year.

 

HPP1 will have an initial production capacity of 350MW and will capture around 600,000 tonnes of CO2 a year – the equivalent to taking around 250,000 cars off the road.This represents a major milestone for the UK hydrogen industry, for the HyNet Cluster and for EET Hydrogen’s progress towards its goal of developing 4GW of low carbon hydrogen by 2030.

 

The hydrogen will be provided to industrial businesses across the North West of England to decarbonise their operations, protecting jobs and driving economic growth. The project is the cornerstone of the HyNet cluster and is essential for the cluster to commence construction later this year.

 

Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance said: “We have already halved our emissions from 1990 levels, and hydrogen will play a vital role in the UK’s journey towards net zero by providing businesses large and small with cleaner energy in the future.

 

“By moving into final negotiations with the Ellesmere project, we are working to deliver our ambition of up to 10GW of low carbon hydrogen production capacity, in an industry expected to support up to 12,000 jobs by

2030.”

 

Tony Fountain, Managing Partner of EET said: “Today’s statement of principles is a great outcome for both EET and the UK. Scaling hydrogen capacity is essential to decarbonising heavy industries. This is an important step in our ambitious decarbonisation plan to transform our business and the North West. We appreciate the Government’s partnership which will contribute to protecting skilled jobs in the region and ensuring our industries remain competitive.”

 

Joe Seifert, CEO of EET Hydrogen said: “This is a critical milestone for EET Hydrogen and the hydrogen sector in the UK. We are very proud to be leading the way and look forward to starting construction later this year.”

Embee Software Eyes 30-40% Growth Through Innovation and Partnerships

In a bold move towards industry leadership, Embee Software has outlined its strategic expectations and initiatives, positioning itself as a front-runner in Cloud Services, Analytics, AI, Cybersecurity, and Managed IT services. Leveraging a robust partnership with Microsoft, the company foresees substantial growth, attributing its success to internal transformations and a keen focus on cutting-edge technologies. The company aims for 30-40% year-on-year growth, with an ambitious 60-70% surge in services revenue.

Today, Embee Software Private Ltd is a leading Indian Technology solutions and services provider in the country focused on driving digital transformation in the Indian mid-market, with a turnover crossing USD 250 million. Embee has been a Microsoft partner for over 27 years, and a key LSP since 2010.

As Embee positions itself for the future, it aims to adapt to industry shifts by developing expertise in emerging technologies, ensuring it remains a dynamic force in the ever-evolving tech landscape. The technology and innovation for Embee is focused on the infusion of AI in Analytics, Cybersecurity, Cloud Automation, and Managed Services. Notably, the company plans to harness generative AI models for developing innovative applications, aligning with emerging industry trends. The company’s long-term vision underscores a services-oriented transformation, strategically balancing growth between sales and services.
Moreover, employee development and organizational culture take center stage, with Embee emphasizing diversity, inclusivity, and skill development.

“We’re propelling Embee Software towards a future where innovation and strategic partnerships result in exceptional growth. Aiming for a 30-40% increase, we’re leveraging our expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud services to surpass market expectations. Our focus on employee development and embracing cutting-edge technologies ensures that Embee remains at the forefront of the tech revolution,” says Sudhir Kothari, CEO & MD, Embee Software.

FIIB and CommonTime Unite to Launch “The Art of Arts Entrepreneurship” – a unique 10-week seminar in Arts Entrepreneurship

In a pioneering collaboration, CommonTime, a distinguished international arts education platform, has joined forces with FIIB (Fortune Institute of International Business), New Delhi, to present a transformative 10-week online seminar – “The Art of Arts Entrepreneurship,” scheduled to commence on 15th February. The creative economy, valued at a staggering two trillion dollars, forms the backdrop for this initiative to empower artists worldwide with essential entrepreneurial skills, business acumen, and global marketing strategies. The first of its kind, the seminar is crafted to address the pressing needs of artists in today’s market, helping them explore opportunities and connect with global industry experts for a rewarding entrepreneurship journey in the artistic economy.

 

Professor Radhika Shrivastava, Executive Director at FIIB, emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and business acumen within the artistic industry, asserting, “Artists deserve their fair share in the two-trillion-dollar creative economy, and for that, they must learn to adapt and seize new opportunities in today’s ever-changing world.” She further highlights, “FIIB-CT collectively believe in the power of art to shape the world. Our collaboration with CommonTime is built on trust, respect, and a mutual appreciation of art and business. We hope every artist will complete this seminar with new business skills, a supportive network, and the confidence to build their art business to sustainable success.”

 

Christine Matovich, Founder of CommonTime, emphasizes this collaboration’s global significance: “At CommonTime, our teaching artists come from across the world, art mediums, languages and cultures. Crossing our digital borders, this collaboration represents a cultural connection between New Delhi, India, where FIIB is based, and CommonTime LLC, which is based in the US and Germany. Together, we are addressing an ongoing need for one of society’s greatest contributors – the artist. Artists with business acumen can claim their fair share of the creative economy and be recognized as valued entrepreneurs and economic contributors.”

 

Jeff Levenberg, Director of Course Design at CommonTime and a PhD, MBA, expresses his enthusiasm for the initiative, “Artists crossing borders and growing the global economy through their business acumen – once I heard Christine and Radhika’s master plan, I was all in on FIIB+CT, eager to solve the most pressing economic cases challenging artists today.”

 

Everything You Need To Know About “The Art of Arts Entrepreneurship”

Professional and emerging artists of all backgrounds, ages, and interests are cordially invited to attend this transformative seminar. The seminar is designed to give artists a template to apply the skills they need for their business – whether in the visual, musical, or performing arts. It is specifically tailored for individuals seeking to enhance their financial standing through their craft, those currently immersed in full or part-time artistic pursuits, or those intrigued by the prospect of applying their skills to other industries.

 

Participants will learn the nuanced art of distinguishing themselves and effectively communicating their unique artistic voices. Furthermore, the seminar will guide them in mastering the strategic identification of ideal target audiences, navigating the global economy, and understanding how to price their work and explore new markets. Attendees will glean practical insights from successful arts entrepreneurs through engaging case studies, offering real-world perspectives to enrich their artistic ventures.

New Balance expands reach with new Store Launch in Hyderabad

New Balance, a brand renowned globally for its authentic craftsmanship and running excellence, is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural store in Hyderabad, at Sarath City Capital Mall, on 7th February 2024. This milestone represents a notable stride in New Balance’s strategic expansion within India. The new store is first of its kind in the country since the establishment of the brand’s Indian subsidiary.

 

The innovative retail concept store is crafted to prioritize people, placing them at the core of the consumer experience. Structured around focal seating arrangements, the store seeks to foster a sense of gathering, encouraging customers to interact and connect, draw inspiration and explore their personal style, ultimately cultivating a communal atmosphere. This unique retail space embodies New Balance at the intersection of sports and culture, making it particularly appealing to the youth.

 

The store presents a thoughtfully curated array of products accompanied by visual narratives. Consumers in Hyderabad will get a chance to experience the brand’s innovative Fresh Foam and FuelCell technologies firsthand and the collection will also feature New Balance’s iconic franchises such as the 1080, 550, 327, and 9060.

 

Our new store in Hyderabad symbolizes more than just a retail space. It’s a testament to our commitment to bringing the New Balance experience closer to our customers” said Radeshwer Davar, Country Manager, India, at New Balance.Hyderabad, with its dynamic blend of modernity and tradition, stood out as the Key city to expand our footprint in India. The vibrant and active lifestyle of the people aligns with our brand ethos seamlessly. We want to welcome patrons to discover New Balance and immerse themselves in the spirit of sport, performance, and culture.”

 

A similar retail concept store of New Balance is set to be launched in Pune next month.

 

 

Note to editors:

  • The store location is located at Sarath City Capital Mall, Hyderabad.
  • Store Images enclosed here.

 

About New Balance

New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA, has the following purpose: Independent since 1906, we empower people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. Manufactured in the U.S. for more than 75 years and representing a limited portion of our U.S. sales, New Balance MADE U.S. is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns five factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs 8,000 associates around the globe, and in 2022 reported worldwide sales of $5.3 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit www.newbalance.com and for the latest press information, please visit http://newbalance.newsmarket.com.