As the Indian IT industry evolves at an impressive growth rate of about 28% (source NASSCOM), it is increasingly facing the challenge of a larger and more complex workforce. The IT industry is human intensive and manpower driven. In the current economic scenario, attracting and retaining the best talent are the key drivers in maintaining competitive advantage and sustaining growth.

Today's workforce is well informed, better connected and more demanding. Globalization and high demand of skilled talent has led to an abundance of job opportunities in the IT sector. For organizations it is no longer about offering the best compensation packages but satisfying the personal and professional needs of an employee.

This calls for HR strategies that will contribute to the employees' and organization's needs. One of the effective approaches is to understand what employees look for across the employment lifecycle and what it takes to retain individuals.

Starting Off Right
A well–planned recruitment strategy ensures the selection of the right individual having the required skill-sets for the job. There should be complete consensus between the employer and employee about each others' expectations. The company must have a clear job description that outlines all expectations from the employee with respect to his job and overall responsibility to the company.

In the initial few months a new employee can be confused and anxious. The reasons being-new surroundings, ambiguity about the job profile and a lack of familiarity with the company. A comprehensive induction program serves as a strong foundation and includes comprehensive training and mentoring. It is important to emphasize the values of the company along with providing training on the operational front. With a good start a company can expect to have a relationship with the new employee which will include accountability, trust, productivity and cooperation.

The Middle Stage
Once an employee is familiar with the company and settles into the job he is ready for the next phase. While moving to middle or senior management levels, the following thoughts can cross the employee's mind: Is the current job really the career that I would like to pursue? What are the prospects of career growth in the company? Does I have better opportunities outside the company? Does the company recognize and value my contribution?

To rejuvenate employees, companies must have professional development plans that are designed to increase productivity, morale and retention. Performance appraisal systems are essential in aligning an individual's own vision while achieving the company's goals. The interest and enthusiasm of an individual can be revived if he receives constructive feedback, recognition of his efforts and reassurance that he can enhance his future in the company. This can be in the form of challenging assignments, rewards in cash and other incentives, promotions, etc. The celebration of an employee's work at a company event, can be one of the finest compliments. An employee will remember such an event lifelong. The bottomline is that a company can only retain employees who are satisfied and trust that their employer values them.

The social aspect is also an integral part of any individual's being and cannot be ignored in the employment lifecycle. It is essential for companies to motivate employees through fun and social activities. Initiatives such as team parties, outdoor picnics, theme days, festival celebrations bring employees together and make them happy. Many companies also extend their involvement with the families of the workforce through activities such as open house family days, medical benefits for other members of the immediate family, etc.

Organizations can also play a significant role in shaping the personal attributes of an individual by providing corporate social responsibility initiatives which are dependant on active participation by employees. There is no gaining without giving back to the society!

The Last Leg
This is the final stage for an employee -one that signifies many professional and personal achievements for the individual. This stage is enjoyed by employees who have a long-standing relationship with the company and for many a strong emotional bond. Companies must ensure that they offer the employee all the pension benefits and a memorable send off. Some companies also engage these valuable employees as consultants and they can continue to contribute to the performance of the company.

There may be more needs attached to each stage as human beings are diverse. The key to attracting and retaining the best talent is to continuously and systematically assess employee needs and find ways to engage them till the very end.

KS Ramaswamy
maildqindia@cybermedia.co.in
The author is associate VP, Human Capital, PSI Data Systems

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