Human Resource Community

In the upcoming fiscal year, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and Bharti Airtel are projected to grow their employee count by up to 25%. This surge in hiring is attributed to the increasing adoption of 5G technology within the telecommunications sector. Notably, the industry is witnessing a substantial uptick in recruitment compared to the pandemic period. Throughout FY23, job hires in the telecommunications industry saw a remarkable rise ranging from 40% to 45%. The latter half of the year also experienced a significant growth in job opportunities, ranging from 30% to 36%. The impetus for this substantial hiring expansion is largely linked to the influence of 5G technology. Alongside the rollout of 5G, recruiters emphasized that the key factors driving demand are emerging domains like network security, whitespace spectrum, virtual network operations, integration of big data with IoT, specialists in cybersecurity, and cloud services. Furthermore, the escalated efforts of businesses towards digitalization have further fuelled the demand for telecommunications services. As of the conclusion of FY23, Reliance Jio employed 95,326 personnel, while Airtel had a workforce of 64,407, and Vodafone Idea had 15,604 employees. Recently, Reliance Jio Infocomm announced its successful deployment of 5G technology using 26 gigahertz millimetre waves across India. This achievement has enabled speeds of up to 2 gigabits per second. The company highlighted its accomplishment of fulfilling its minimum rollout obligations across all 22 circles and various spectrum bands ahead of schedule, aligned with the spectrum allocation as of August 17, 2022.

In an exciting move, Air India has revealed its revamped logo, dubbed “The Vista,” signaling a new chapter for the popular airline. The inspiration behind the new emblem draws from the elegance of a golden window frame’s pinnacle, embodying boundless opportunities, progressiveness, and a bold vision for the future. Collaborating with the design firm “FutureBrand,” Air India has undertaken an extensive rebranding endeavor that encompasses not only the logo but also the airline’s overall visual identity. Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, emphasized the logo’s significance, marking a fresh era characterized by golden horizons, limitless potential, confidence, and forward momentum. Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, explained the comprehensive nature of the project, affirming the airline’s unwavering commitment to transformation. “We’re investing substantial resources—financially and passionately—to reshape Air India,” he stated, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the endeavor. Addressing the iconic Maharaja mascot, Wilson assured that while the Maharaja would retain its beloved status, its appearance would undergo a contemporary evolution. The introduction of purple and gold hues is set to breathe new life into the mascot’s aesthetic. Travelers can anticipate experiencing the new logo on their journeys starting this December. Air India has outlined an ambitious plan to integrate the refreshed logo into a new fleet of aircraft, with a rollout projected to be completed by the end of 2026. By the designated 2026 timeline, an entirely rejuvenated aircraft fleet is poised to grace the skies, reflecting Air India’s commitment to modernization and progress. Simultaneously, Air India has embarked on an impressive initiative, placing orders for around 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft with an estimated value of 70 billion US dollars. Delivery of these state-of-the-art planes is slated to commence in November of the current year. Central to the company’s strategy is the inclusion of 20 wide-body aircraft within this year. This initiative dovetails with a creative effort to revamp the existing fleet of 43 aircraft by the middle of the following year, entailing an investment of approximately 400 million US dollars. Air India’s roadmap encompasses a targeted enhancement of at least 33 percent of its total aircraft fleet by March 2024, showcasing the airline’s commitment to an elevated passenger experience. Reactions to the new Air India logo have been diverse among netizens. While some users have found it underwhelming, perceiving a lack of innovation and design, others have voiced admiration for the fresh emblem. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor suggested focusing on improving the plane’s interiors to enhance the passenger journey, while one user, who initially rated the new livery with uncertainty, remains open to a change of opinion over time.

Reliance Industries (RIL) witnessed a substantial transformation in its employee landscape during the fiscal year 2023. The company observed a significant voluntary departure of employees, encompassing both its telecom subsidiary, Jio, and its retail segment, Reliance Retail. According to the annual report, the departures included 41,818 individuals from Jio and a larger group of 1,19,229 from Reliance Retail. During the same period, Jio, which falls under the RIL umbrella, embarked on a noteworthy hiring spree. Around 70,418 fresh talents joined the Jio team in FY23, contributing to a cumulative workforce of 95,326 by the fiscal year’s closure. Intriguingly, Jio has strategically shifted its focus toward roles revolving around the realms of the internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI). Consequently, the conventional demand for sales executives has waned within the organization. This recalibration in focus has brought about a reshaping of the job landscape, particularly in the lower to middle management tiers. The ripple effect of this reconfiguration was discernible in the reported departures within both the retail and Jio sectors. This strategic transformation corresponds with Jio’s intensified exploration of IoT and AI domains, necessitating a realignment of its workforce. Remarkably, despite the outflow of personnel, RIL actually expanded its overall employee strength. The company embraced a substantial influx of new recruits, numbering 262,558, in FY23. This surge marked a significant rise compared to the 232,822 fresh recruits brought on board in the preceding fiscal year, FY22. The expansion spanned various sectors and functions within RIL’s multifaceted business operations.

Cognizant, a prominent global technology company, has taken a distinctive approach to work arrangements amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike many other firms, Cognizant has chosen not to enforce a mandatory return to the office, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its employees. The company recognizes the uncertainties of the ongoing pandemic and offers its workforce the flexibility to continue remote work. This employee-centric decision reflects Cognizant’s ability to adapt quickly during the pandemic, successfully transitioning to remote operations. The company is reevaluating the potential benefits of in-office work, including cost savings, increased productivity, and access to a broader talent pool. By focusing on individual preferences and needs for work environments, Cognizant’s approach stands out as a progressive move that supports its employees and promotes a positive work atmosphere. This flexible workplace policy is also attracting more women to join the company, as it allows for a better work-life balance. Cognizant’s decision may serve as an example of greater flexibility and employee-centered work policies in the tech industry, showcasing the company’s dedication to its employees and its ability to adapt to the changing dynamics of the modern workplace.

Zomato, the popular food-delivery platform, has allocated employee stock option plans (ESOP) worth Rs 2.52 crore to certain employees and subsidiaries. The company’s board has given the green light to issue 2,52,59,179 fully paid-up shares with a face value of one rupee each. In a move that showcases its commitment to employee well-being, Zomato’s CEO, Deepinder Goyal, announced the appointment of a Chief Fitness Officer (CFO). Anmol Gupta and his team will closely monitor the health and eating habits of employees, including delivery personnel and restaurant partners, to ensure they stay fit and healthy. The company’s concern for employee wellness is evident from the provision of an on-site gym at its Gurugram headquarters and the availability of mental health experts for consultation. Additionally, the company’s leave policy promotes physical and mental well-being for its staff. The positive results from Hyperpure, Zomato’s restaurant supplies wing, contributed to a remarkable 70% increase in the platform’s revenue during the last quarter of the 2023 financial year. Moreover, the company managed to reduce losses by 47%, amounting to Rs 188.2 crore compared to the previous year. Notably, Deepinder Goyal had previously pledged to donate the earnings from his vested stock options, valued at around Rs 700 crore, to the Zomato Future Foundation. These ESOPs granted during the second half of FY23 were part of this commitment.

Retail giant Walmart has finalized the purchase of Tiger Global’s remaining shares in Indian e-commerce startup Flipkart for $1.4 billion. This move marks Walmart’s further expansion of its stake in Flipkart, reinforcing its presence in the thriving Indian e-commerce market. Tiger Global, a New York-headquartered hedge fund, had earlier cashed out a significant portion of its Flipkart shares, making an impressive gain of $3.5 billion from its initial $1.2 billion investment, according to sources familiar with the matter. The recent transaction now brings the Bengaluru-based Flipkart’s valuation to $35 billion, slightly lower than its previous valuation of $37.6 billion due to a reassessment following the split of payments startup PhonePe. Walmart had acquired a 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion in 2018 and held around 72% of the company as of last year. Prior to this recent deal, Tiger Global’s stake in Flipkart stood at 4%. With this significant investment, Walmart deepens its competition with Amazon’s local division in India. Despite the substantial investment, Flipkart is reportedly in need of additional funding and is likely to turn to Walmart to secure the majority of financing required for its next funding round. Flipkart’s future fundraising endeavors are expected to remain promising, given its strong market position and the continued growth potential in India’s e-commerce sector.

Amazon is making significant changes to its Fresh grocery stores in the US, resulting in a reduction in the workforce. The company is eliminating the role of ‘zone lead,’ which involves overseeing departmental responsibilities and employee training at the stores. While the exact number of employees affected hasn’t been disclosed officially, it’s believed that hundreds of employees could be impacted. This move is part of Amazon’s efforts to revamp its operations model and enhance efficiency for both customers and employees. Over the past year, Amazon has already reduced its global headcount by approximately 27,000. To achieve a more streamlined approach, the company has also expressed its intention to close some Fresh outlets and Go stores, with the most significant presence in Virginia, Washington, California, and Illinois. Amazon currently operates over 20 cashier-free convenience stores under the Amazon Go brand in the US. The company acquired Whole Foods six years ago in a multi-billion-dollar deal, and even that subsidiary went through a restructuring exercise in April, leading to hundreds of layoffs. Amazon is striving to optimize costs throughout its operations, and the grocery stores are no exception. Employees affected by the changes have been offered the possibility of transitioning to other roles within the company or receiving a severance package. CEO Andy Jassy has emphasized the importance of identifying a suitable ‘mass grocery format’ as part of their ongoing efforts to improve services.

Cognizant’s recent collaboration with Gilead Sciences, a biopharmaceutical company, is set to have a significant impact on jobs. On July 25, 2023, Cognizant announced the renewal and expansion of its partnership with Gilead Sciences, valued at $800 million. The primary focus of this extended collaboration is to enhance Gilead’s operations and accelerate its digital transformation. As part of the agreement, Cognizant will be responsible for managing Gilead’s global IT infrastructure, applications, and advanced analytics, incorporating generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and AI automation to enhance customer service and manufacturing efficiencies. However, this expansion comes with consequences for Cognizant’s workforce. Approximately 3,500 non-billable and corporate personnel will be affected, which amounts to about 1% of Cognizant’s total employee count of 350,000. Regrettably, this decision will lead to the termination of these jobs. The company states that this realignment is aimed at optimizing its workforce to better align with its evolving business priorities and strategic objectives. Despite the impact on personnel, Cognizant remains committed to delivering value to its clients and capitalizing on growth opportunities in the IT services sector. The company believes that streamlining its workforce will make it more agile and competitive as it engages in significant business deals. Cognizant’s expanded partnership with Gilead Sciences signifies a new chapter in their collaboration, but it also brings about the elimination of some jobs as part of the company’s effort to adapt to changing business needs and maintain its position in the IT services industry.

Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has reduced its workforce by 1,000 employees globally, including its team in India. The layoffs come amid ongoing federal investigations and increased regulatory scrutiny in the United States. The customer-service department has been most affected, with 36 employees in India being let go. Speculations arose that Binance might sell its US operations or even face closure entirely. The company now aims to focus on agility and will reassess its talent pool and expertise in various roles. Last month, founder Changpeng Zhao was sued by the Securities and Exchange Commission for allegedly operating illegally in the US. Binance denies the accusations and is striving to obtain operational licenses in Europe. However, the company’s future stability is uncertain as Zhao faces charges and refuses to step down from his position. In contrast, Binance had previously made headlines by expressing plans to expand its workforce and assuring that layoffs were not on the horizon.