Cos walk the pep talk to build morale of employees

NEW DELHI: Motivation lessons, personalised letters from CEOs, investor advisory services, workshops for learning new skills, transparent dealings ��� an entirely new chapter in employee confidence building is emerging as the Indian corporate sector battles with the economic slowdown and security concerns. Companies across sectors ranging from IT, hotels, entertainment, consumer products and automobiles have begun factoring in such issues to motivate employees in the slowdown scenario and keep up productivity levels.

Maruti Suzuki, the country���s largest car maker is conducting weekly meetings cutting across all levels ��� from technicians to top management ��� since the economic slowdown began and car sales fell. Maruti officials call it a clarity and confidence-building measure. ���We have specific tea group meetings and divisional meetings on a weekly basis. The objective of these meetings is to provide employees with clarity about the present context, impact on our business, counter business strategies and the direction the company is taking,��� Maruti Suzuki managing executive officer (finance & HR & IT) SY Siddiqui said.

IT companies like Infosys believe in regular advisory emails from the CEO, sent to employees at all levels. Said Infosys director-human resources TV Mohandas Pai: ���The top management regularly sends out advisory e-mails to the staff, informing them about the company���s health.



We have a clear internal communication strategy, which helps motivate our employees and get over their fears.��� PVR CMD Ajay Bijli makes sure to begin every employee meeting by telling his staff not to panic. ���I want to make sure my staff feels safe and believes in the fundamentals of the company,��� Mr Bijli told ET.

Hospitality major Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, which is dealing with a fear of different nature, post Mumbai attacks, is extending professional counselling to all its employees. ���The average age of our employees is just 25 years and it was traumatic for all of them. We have planned a series of counselling initiatives once we reopen our hotels in Mumbai,��� said an Oberoi spokesperson.

Added PepsiCo ED (human resources) Pavan Bhatia: ���We have begun initiatives such as conducting investor advisory services and fun-at-work activities.���