16 December, 2021

Engaging employees in the telecom sector

The telecom industry in India is the second largest in the world with a subscriber base of 1.17 billion. Considered as the backbone of industrial and economic development, it is also imperative to note that the employees represent the backbone of the telecom sector. Telecom directly contributes to over 2.2 million jobs in India and the sector is expected to contribute 8% to India’s GDP in 2022 from ~6.5% currently. However, a fast-paced industry like telecom comes with its own set of challenges, specifically for its employees. The most disruptive challenges include employee attrition, high-pressure sales environment, performance management, and employee morale.

A telecom employee profile is typically characterized by long and odd working hours, heavy work pressure, pressing deadlines and an extensive focus on customer satisfaction. All this cumulative pressure leads to serious implications on their social and psychological wellbeing On the other hand, the Indian telecom sector requires an increase of approximately 120% in skilled manpower, over the coming five financial years, as per industry estimates. Thus, there is a cut-throat need to balance this deviation as a means to keep up with the fast-paced market and at the same time, safeguard the employees.

Leveraging an R&R platform to enhance employee engagement

A study revealed that telecom sector employees have a low level of employee engagement which further curtails their commitment to the organization. This has led organizations to focus on methods that can facilitate an appreciative and engaged environment. One such predominant solution is the adoption of a digital engagement platform which can be the precursor to building a healthier, happier, and motivated telecom workforce without any extreme efforts down the line. Here are a few ways in which an R&R platform can be leveraged pertaining specifically to the needs of the telecom sector:

• Awards can be structured to entail maximum benefit for telecom employees by integration with CRM and performance trackers. This can be achieved with an employee engagement software with open API architecture
• On-the-spot recognitions and rewards for sales achievements or target completion. Recognition categories need to be customized as per industry KPIs on the employee recognition tool
• Live streaming of physical and mental wellness sessions on the platform (yoga, exercise, counselling, meditation). An R&R platform can assist with this incorporating this live streaming function within the organization-wide collaboration tool
• Customize and create specialized value-based or behavioral awards which are often missing from the conventional monetary rewards structure
• Digital E-cards, appreciation notes, and corporate gifting facilities for employees stationed in adverse locations with minimized access to postal and courier services
• Features such as user posts, quizzes, and dynamic employee surveys to keep a check on employee morale periodically

In a vibrant and expanding telecom market, success for Indian telecom companies mostly depends on the efficacy of its workforce. If organizations lack a supportive work culture, employee engagement and retention will become a challenge. The concept of work-life balance is becoming extremely relevant in an ever dynamic working environment, and the telecom sector is a paramount example of this need.

A digital employee engagement system can be considered a boon to the frenetic telecom industry, and more importantly, to the employees therewith.