Harnessing People Power

The maxim, ´Run by Processes, Powered by People´, can hold an organisation and its employees in good stead, explains DR NARESH BHARDE. The real estate sector is one of the major contributors to India´s GDP. It is the second highest employment generator in India after agriculture. Being a big driver of economic growth, it has a multiplier effect on the economy. Apart from increasing employment directly, it also affects the demand of other industries such as cement, steel, brick, paint, etc. This almost compels the industry to work smoothly to the maximum possible extent. Realty check Being one of the largest employers, the realty industry encompasses several entities, both organised and unorganised. It is completely labour-intensive; it creates 7.6 million jobs in our country and is expected to reach 17 million by 2025. Organisations need to understand the symbiotic relationship between processes and people and how critical it is to nourish this relationship. It is important to invest time, money and effort towards the workforce of the industry because that´s where the strength lies. Excellence Group believes in fostering the power that employees harbour and allowing efficient growth and development, both of the company and its stakeholders, by working strongly on the principle, ´Run by Processes, Powered by People´. Managing attrition Unlike manufacturing industries, it is important for B2C companies such as those in the real estate sector to maintain relationships with their internal stakeholders û the employees to ensure smooth working. In today´s times, coping with intense work pressure and deadlines has become an integral part of the corporate world. However, it is crucial to be discerning about work quality as well. The output or end product or service has to match the standards of the organisation while actively engaging with the employees through the process. Attrition today is constantly increasing and managing this is itself a mammoth task for the HR department of companies. Formalised and regular appraisals, proper performance planning, dedicated hours, employee engagement and adequate recognition to the deserving comprise the route we walk on at Excellence Group. This is important as our employees are our strength. Striking the right balance The term ´stress´ is used extensively of late. It is the result of long working hours, taxing work and deadlines. Today, most organisations are working towards engaging employees into recreational and stress-busting activities. Maintaining the work-life balance has become a challenge for employees. This, in turn, hampers their productivity at the workplace, their health and personal growth. Corporate houses are now putting in efforts to overcome this hurdle. Companies like Excellence Shelters have set plans and patterns for the rejuvenation of their employees. In today´s time, the role of women in an organisation does not go unnoticed either. They are an integral part of the functioning of the organisation. The roadmap It is always easier to plan and decide what is to be done and a lot more difficult to execute it. The roadmap to maximum satisfaction of employees entails a lot of different things. Most companies invest their time and money into building the knowledge and skills of employees and neglect the importance of attitude and habits. The model followed at Excellence is TREAD, which includes Training, Recognition, Education, Assignment and Development along with all-round training programmes with special focus on the attitude and habits of employees. Apart from this, welfare projects for the employees, providing necessary facilities and safety measures along with recognition, are the key to retaining employees. Security measures for women - like a sexual harassment committee and a camp for the screening and control of cervical cancer are some of the measures Excellence has taken. To motivate employees, the annual EFAA Awards are organised where performers are recognised and rewarded for their efforts. The results Striking the right balance and then laying a robust foundation to build relationships with employees and increasing loyalty and employee satisfaction, work to develop an organisation with a strong foothold in the industry. Excellence Group has the right combination of these ingredients. The group incorporates four other companies: Excellence Shelters Pvt Ltd, Excellence IT Solutions Pvt Ltd, Dhyas Social Foundation and Excellence Leap. While Excellence Shelters and Excellence IT Solutions are the business-making wings of the group, Dhyas Social Foundation and Excellence Leap are more into social work. Being the training and character-building wing of the group, Excellence Leap instills in all its employees the necessary technical and non-technical knowledge. About the author: Dr Naresh Bharde, Founder, Excellence Group, is the Chairman and Managing Director at Excellence Shelters Pvt Ltd. He is responsible for spearheading the company´s expansion in the country and overseas. To share your views, write in at feedback@ConstructionWorld.in