Deutsche Bank and unions reach pay agreement for Postbank employees
Deutsche Bank said on Thursday that it had reached an agreement with labour unions for a pay increase for thousands of employees at its Postbank division.
July 2
Growing gig workforce compels India Inc to rethink talent development strategies
While flexible hiring offers greater agility and cost efficiencies, experts caution that reducing investment in workforce capability could weaken long-term talent pipelines and leave businesses underprepared for future skill demands.
July 2
Microsoft layoffs: Up to 5,500 jobs at risk as AI push sparks fresh H1-B debate
Microsoft is preparing to cut around 5,500 jobs in another round of layoffs as it continues shifting billions of dollars towards artificial intelligence (AI), with the expected move also reigniting debate over the company's use of the H1-B visa programme.
July 2
Norway offshore workers, employers enter mediation to avert strike
Norwegian unions representing offshore drilling rig and floating platform workers entered state-mediated wage talks on Wednesday, aiming to avert a strike from Friday that could affect parts of the country's oil and gas sector.
July 2
France introduces extra parental leave to boost birth rates
France on Wednesday launched new paid leave for both mothers and fathers, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to boost the country's sluggish birth rate. Until now, paid maternity leave in France has been just under four months for a first child, while fathers have been entitled to 28 days of leave following a birth.
July 2
Ireland adds 10,400 foreign multinational jobs in H1, up from 2025
Ireland is hugely reliant on the taxes and jobs of foreign multinationals such as Apple and Microsoft. Foreign-owned firms have almost doubled their Irish workforce in the last decade to make up 11% of the entire labour market.
July 1
Microsoft to cut under 2.5% of workforce in latest layoffs
U.S. companies have continued to trim headcount in recent months, with a fresh wave of layoffs across the technology, media and finance sectors as firms rein in costs, while investing heavily in AI infrastructure. The layoffs will impact thousands of roles, including sales and consulting, as well as jobs at the Xbox gaming division, the Business Insider report said.
July 1
Women-led factories in Mandya go fully solar, cut costs, boost jobs
The initiative, facilitated by Melukote MLA Darshan Puttannaiah of Sarvodaya Karnataka Party in association with the Selco foundation, has enabled Sharada Garments and Siri Sinchu Organic Jaggery factory to operate entirely on solar energy, allowing them to disconnect from conventional electricity grid.
July 1
Female workforce participation in cities with over 10L population rises to 27.2%: NSO
The data on labour market dynamics in cities with a population of more than 10 lakh showed that women's participation in the labour force has strengthened steadily over the years. The NSO data also highlighted an improvement in female employment. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women in million-plus cities rose to 25.5 per cent, indicating that a larger share of women is employed compared to previous years.
June 30
Hy-Vee shuts down India engineering centre, lays off around 150 employees
The layoffs were communicated during a late-night Microsoft Teams call, with employees informed that their roles had been eliminated with immediate effect. According to posts shared by employees on social media, the engineering team was informed that the India operation would be shut down.
June 30
Trump's tariffs aren't saving jobs at Whirlpool's Iowa refrigerator plant
"Big Blue" refrigerator plant, so named because of its robin's-egg-colored siding, has cut more than half its nearly 2,000-strong workforce in the last year, despite tariffs championed by Trump to support U.S. manufacturing. Whirlpool was among those expected to benefit from the tariffs, which have since been reshaped by legal challenges.
June 30
Volkswagen tells workers current job cuts are not enough, works council says
Further job reductions have not yet been quantified, at least not to employee representatives, the note added.
June 30
Companies cutting jobs as investments shift toward AI
Goldman Sachs economists said in February that AI was responsible for 5,000 to 10,000 monthly net job losses last year in the most exposed U.S. industries. A survey by global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas linked AI to 7% of total U.S. planned layoffs announced in January.
June 30
UK cigarette giant British American Tobacco to cut 5,500 jobs globally
The maker of Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarettes aims to save £600 million ($792 million) a year by 2028 in a restructuring that will affect around 20 percent of BAT's 47,000-member workforce, it said in a statement. BAT, along with other tobacco majors, faces declining demand for traditional cigarettes, and is turning its focus instead to newer categories including vapes and oral nicotine products.
June 30
Corporate inclusion strategies to shift toward talent, neurodiversity and mental health: Report
As per the World Economic Forum (WEF) report, inclusion strategies are becoming more flexible and locally relevant while maintaining global consistency, with companies increasingly adopting data-driven and adaptive approaches that respond to changing conditions.
June 29
IIT Alumni to provide AI training to migrant workers in Singapore
Supported by the Indian High Commission (HCI), the Indian Institutes of Technology Alumni Association - Singapore (IITAAS) on Sunday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC). The MWC is a 16-year-old bipartite effort between the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation to improve the welfare of migrant workers in Singapore.
June 29
India’s AI dream is getting lost in translation
India's ambition to become an AI superpower hinges on bridging its vast linguistic divide. Prime Minister Modi champions AI for inclusion, but current models struggle with India's numerous languages and dialects, particularly in spoken form. Overcoming this challenge is crucial for Silicon Valley's market ambitions and ensuring AI benefits all Indians, not just the English-speaking elite.
June 29
German union warns over threats to VW sites and co-determination
German union IG Metall said on Friday that media reports about Volkswagen's restructuring plans were rightly causing concern among workers and in the regions where the carmaker operates.
June 27
United Spirits set to cut 100 jobs to curb costs, streamline operations
United Spirits is cutting around 100 jobs in India as part of parent Diageo's global cost-saving drive. This significant workforce reduction, impacting mid- to senior-level employees, aims to streamline operations and boost productivity. While the company continues investing in key brands and growth markets, further roles could be affected. This move comes despite strong recent financial performance and ongoing supply chain optimization efforts.
June 26
AI unlikely to trigger 'Job Apocalypse', it may create uneven workforce disruption: Goldman Sachs Report
A Goldman Sachs report suggests that concerns regarding an impending 'AI job apocalypse' may be overstated. Over the next decade, while AI will inevitably displace millions of jobs in the US, experts are optimistic about the creation of new roles that will balance this shift. Some economists warn of initial negative impacts, but the long-term effects will depend on how AI integrates with the workforce.
June 26
Why some women still hide their pregnancies at work
Many women still weigh the impact of pregnancy on their careers before sharing the news at work. This feature explores the workplace realities driving pregnancy concealment, the business implications for employers and the steps organisations can take to create more supportive and inclusive workplaces.
July 2
The retirement cliff: Is EMEA running out of experienced workers?
As millions of experienced employees near retirement and labour shortages intensify, organisations across Europe and the Middle East are being forced to rethink succession planning, skills development and workforce strategy. This article examines whether the region is facing a retirement cliff and what it means for HR leaders.
July 1
CXO roundup: Leadership moves that shaped the EMEA workplace in June 2026
From banking and logistics to healthcare, manufacturing and consumer goods, June saw organisations across the EMEA region refresh their leadership teams as they prepared for growth, digital transformation and workforce change. Here are the month's most significant executive appointments.
June 30
AI is transforming freelancing, but productivity is still being held back by paperwork
A new global study finds freelancers lose 204 hours a year to administrative work despite widespread AI adoption. As the freelance economy expands, experts say the next challenge is no longer generating work faster, but fixing the business infrastructure that surrounds it.
June 29
The new AI workforce: Specialists versus generalists
As artificial intelligence becomes embedded across industries, the workforce is splitting into two distinct groups: employees whose specialised AI expertise commands a growing premium, and those whose work is increasingly simplified by accessible AI tools. Drawing on PwC's 2026 Global AI Jobs Barometer, this article explores how the rise of professionalised and democratised roles is reshaping employability, wages, skills and career mobility in the AI era.
June 26
Why 'emotional salary' is becoming the new currency of talent across EMEA region
As skills shortages persist across Europe and the Middle East, employers are increasingly competing on more than pay. A growing focus on "emotional salary", including flexibility, wellbeing, career growth and purpose, signals a shift in how organisations attract, engage and retain talent in an increasingly competitive labour market.
June 25
Is AI creating a skills shortage?
Mercer’s Global Talent Trends 2026 report reveals a growing paradox in the AI era: while 99% of executives expect AI-related workforce reductions, talent scarcity remains their top concern. The research suggests the bigger challenge is not job loss, but closing widening skills gaps, redesigning work, and preparing employees to collaborate effectively with AI.
June 24
International Women in Engineering Day: Why the Middle East's next talent challenge is retaining women engineers
From Saudi Aramco's first female Chief Engineer, Nabilah Al-Tunisi, to the UAE's pioneering aerospace engineer Marwa Al Mamari, women across the Middle East have steadily expanded their presence in engineering. Yet as the region accelerates investments in AI, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure, a critical workforce challenge remains: attracting, retaining and advancing more women in engineering careers.
June 23
Skills battleground: AI can automate 58% of work hours in Europe, study finds
A new report finds that while AI and automation could automate up to 58% of current work hours across major European economies, the bigger challenge for employers is not job displacement but skills transformation.
June 22
The end of expertise? Why AI-skilled workers now earn 56% more than their peers
PwC's latest AI Jobs Barometer found that AI-skilled workers now earn a 56% wage premium globally, up from 25% a year earlier. As AI democratises access to knowledge and accelerates productivity, organisations are beginning to reward AI fluency alongside experience, raising a critical question: is expertise being redefined?
June 19
Impetus Technologies Shines at Rank 55 Among India’s Best Companies to Work for 2025 by Great Place To Work® India
Business Wire India
Impetus Technologies, a global technology solutions provider, has once again been recognized among India’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 by Great Place To Work® India, securing the 55th position on this prestigious list. This marks the 11th time the company has earned this recognition—reinforcing its consistent commitment to building a workplace where trust, innovation, and employee well-being thrive.
In this year for India, based on a rigorous evaluation methodology, 100 organizations among India’s Best Companies To Work For 2025 have been recognized. These organizations, among other practices, particularly excel both in people practices that they have crafted for their employees and in proactively acting on feedback to create a High Trust Culture. The report and the complete list (in alphabetical order) India’s Best Companies To Work For 2025 can be viewed on company's website.
“This achievement is a celebration of our people and the culture we’ve created together,” said Sanjeev Agrawal, CHRO, Impetus Technologies. “Climbing to rank 55 among India’s best workplaces is both humbling and motivating. It drives us to continue fostering an environment where individuals feel valued, empowered, and inspired to grow.”
With this milestone, Impetus reaffirms its dedication to creating exceptional employee experiences and setting benchmarks for workplace culture in the technology industry.
“As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place To Work® brings 30 years of groundbreaking research and data to help every place become a great place to work for all. Our recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands. In partnership with The Economic Times, we are proud to recognize the Top 100 organizations as India’s Best Companies To Work For 2025,” said Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work® India.
“I would like to congratulate Impetus Technologies for accomplishing this milestone. Getting recognized among “India’s Best Companies To Work For 2025” is a testament to what’s possible when trust is nurtured, employees feel heard, and everyone feels they belong. We invite every leader to join us on this journey of becoming great,” added Balbir Singh.
June 26
Darwinbox Completes 3rd ESOP Buyback in 4 Years, Reinforcing Commitment to Share Success with Employees
Business Wire India
This marks Darwinbox’s third buyback in just four years, reflecting the company’s continued commitment to rewarding the people behind its growth and building shared success as it scales globally.
“At Darwinbox, we’ve always believed that those who help build value should share in it. Even as we invest deeply in innovation and global growth, we remain equally committed to creating meaningful outcomes for our people. This buyback, like the ones before, reflects our belief in sharing success with our people and building a culture of ownership,” said Jayant Paleti, Co-founder, Darwinbox.
“Talent has always been at the heart of what we do at Darwinbox, and we’ve been intentional about ensuring they grow with the company—not just in impact, but also in wealth creation. Some of the best minds from the industry have joined us to help shape the future of work. As we double down on R&D to power an AI-first world, we’re excited to welcome great talent on this journey,” said Chaitanya Peddi, Co-founder at Darwinbox.
In March 2025, Darwinbox added global private equity giants Partners Group and KKR to its cap table through a $140 million deal—further strengthening its position to lead on two critical fronts: deep technology innovation and global market expansion.
That momentum is evident in a series of breakthrough AI product launches. Darwinbox recently became the first-ever HCM platform globally to launch an MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server, enabling any compatible AI agent to interact securely with HR data and workflows on the platform. The company’s GenAI engine, Darwinbox Sense, now delivers over 40+ embedded AI capabilities, driving smarter decisions and elevated experiences. Darwinbox also recently rolled out a multi-country payroll solution across 10 new geographies within the last year, solidifying its capability to serve complex global organizations.
Darwinbox powers modern HR technology experiences for over 4 million employees across 1000+ enterprises, from large conglomerates to high-growth tech companies. Brands like Starbucks, McDonald’s, AXA, Cigna, WeWork, Airtel, and Vedanta trust the platform to power their people strategies at scale.
The trust of its customers is paralleled by analyst recognition. Darwinbox has been named a Customers’ Choice on Gartner Peer Insights for four years in a row. It is also the youngest and only Asian company to be recognized as a Challenger in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud HCM Suites for enterprises with over 1,000 employees, validating its growing global influence in a space long dominated by legacy players.
June 24
Spark Capital PWM Establishes Strategic Presence in Dubai International Financial Centre to Serve Global Investors
Business Wire India
Spark Capital Private Wealth Management (Spark Capital PWM), today announced the launch of its operations in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region through Spark Global PWM Private Limited.
Spark Global PWM Private Limited, a CAT4 firm regulated by Dubai Financial Services Authority, the independent regulator for business conducted from or within Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), operates as a subsidiary of Spark Capital's Private Wealth Management business and the new office will serve as a hub for its Middle East operations.
This strategic expansion will enable global investors to access diverse markets with ease while offering its clients comprehensive portfolio diversification opportunities. The move reinforces Spark Capital's commitment to delivering sophisticated, bespoke wealth management solutions on an international scale.
Spark Capital PWM has significantly focused on growth & expansion in recent years. Its AUM & AUA has grown nearly 10x—from INR ~3,000 crores (~360.24 million USD) in April 2023 to INR ~30,000 crores (~3.56 billion USD) in May 2025. The firm has also scaled its team from 60 to over 400 professionals, including 130+ seasoned relationship managers, and established a pan-India presence across 12 cities.
Commenting on the expansion, Arpita Vinay, Senior Managing Director & Co-CEO, Spark Capital Private Wealth Management Private Limited, said, "The establishment of our DIFC office represents a significant milestone in Spark Capital PWM's global growth strategy. Dubai's strategic location and robust financial infrastructure provide an ideal platform to connect investors across regions with diverse investment opportunities. This expansion allows us to enhance our service offerings to international clients while creating new avenues for wealth creation and preservation."
Neeraj Ojha, Senior Executive Officer, Spark Global PWM Private Limited, added, "DIFC offers an exceptional ecosystem for wealth management firms, with its world-class regulatory framework and access to a wide network of financial institutions. Through our presence here, we aim to provide professional clients in the Middle East with comprehensive wealth solutions backed by Spark Capital's expertise and innovation in investment management."
DIFC is a strategic gateway to financial institutions and multinational firms in the region. DIFC continues to experience exponential growth in the wealth and asset management sector with 420 wealth and asset management firms and over 75 pure play hedge funds, 48 of which are 'billion-dollar club' organisations, that are capitalising on regional opportunities.
Spark Global PWM Private Limited's DIFC office will be staffed by a team of experienced wealth management professionals with extensive knowledge of global markets and a proven track record of delivering exceptional client outcomes. These professionals will leverage the firm's comprehensive research capabilities, innovative investment strategies, and established track record in wealth management to provide tailored solutions to clients in the region. This approach underscores Spark Capital's dedication to client-centric service while strengthening its position as a trusted wealth management partner globally.
June 2
Sonny’s Enterprises Expands Global Footprint with Inauguration of GCC Office in India
Business Wire India
Sonny's Enterprises, (“Sonny's”) the largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment, parts, and supplies globally, is proud to announce the grand opening and inauguration of its new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Pune, India. This strategic expansion reinforces Sonny’s technology investment and continued commitment to providing car wash operators with best-in-class resources.
The new GCC in Pune will serve as a hub for technological innovation. A key initiative is continuing the rapid development of Sonny’s proprietary Quivio ecosystem, an integrated software and hardware technology suite purpose-built for car wash operators to drive revenue and streamline operations.
The office currently has 25 full-time employees and is poised to reach 100 by the end of the year, with additional capacity and growth goals. It is set to play a pivotal role in scaling the company's capabilities across engineering, data science, and customer operations.
“Our Pune GCC marks a significant milestone in Sonny’s global growth strategy,” said Curt Hutchins, CEO of Sonny’s. “India offers exceptional talent and a thriving technology infrastructure. This expansion will accelerate our innovation pipeline and strengthen the value we deliver to customers worldwide.”
The Pune GCC will integrate closely with Sonny’s existing teams across North America, driving collaboration across time zones and cultures. With a strong focus on employee development, the center aims to foster a high-performance, inclusive workplace aligned with Sonny’s core values.
Eashwer Srinivasan, Chief Technology Officer, added, “This center reflects our commitment to building a scalable, resilient technology organization. Pune’s rich pool of skilled professionals will help us advance Quivio and deliver next-generation solutions that empower car wash operators globally.” The Pune office launch comes amid strong technology momentum for Sonny’s, as the company continues to expand its comprehensive solution set for car wash operators.
Tim Elhefnawy, EVP of Business and Digital Transformation, commented on the operational impact of the new center: “The GCC in Pune is a strategic enabler of our enterprise-wide transformation. It enhances our ability to scale with speed, precision, and agility—unlocking new value while supporting our broader mission of continuous improvement.”
Hutchins, Srinivasan, and Elhefnawy attended the inauguration ceremony on May 21, 2025.
June 2
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