‘Paid period leave is a matter of humane working conditions’
Ranjeeta Priyadarshini, an engineer-turned-activist from Sambalpur, has been advocating for paid period leave for the last four years. Recently, she visited the Church Centre for the United Nations in New York to campaign for the cause. A documentary on her journey was screened at the UN. Ranjeeta spoke to Arunika Mohapatra on her journey.
October 26
‘Quiet Cracking’ at work: Empathy, not AI-driven rating, to fill in void, say HR leaders
"Quiet cracking" can be misread as laziness or poor work ethic. "Since AI still lacks emotional intelligence, it often makes data-driven judgments without context, mistaking emotional fatigue for disengagement," say experts.
October 26
Empowering women engineers to thrive in India’s manufacturing sector
Across the country, companies in core sectors from auto components and cement to energy and heavy engineering are actively working to dismantle gender stereotypes, strengthen safety infrastructure, and create leadership pipelines for women in technical roles.
October 26
Air Canada cuts 400 management positions, or 1% of workforce
Air Canada has eliminated about 400 management roles, or 1% of its total staff, in the wake of a four-day flight attendants’ strike that grounded planes earlier this year.
October 25
Finance ministry directs PSBs to tackle staff stress, set up corrective measures
This comes after repeated complaints from bank unions and officers who face not just business and insurance targets, but also long hours and even non-banking work like election duties. The ministry has directed bank boards to identify corrective action and prepare a plan to address these issues, said a government official aware of the developments.
October 25
Target is eliminating 1,800 corporate jobs as it looks to reclaim its lost luster
About 1,000 employees are expected to receive layoff notices next week, and the company also plans to eliminate about 800 vacant jobs, a company spokesperson said. The cuts represent about 8% of Target's corporate workforce globally, although the majority of the affected employees work at the company's Minneapolis headquarters, the spokesperson said.
October 24
Science-backed strategies to help people truly thrive at work
Organizations can foster employee thriving by integrating five evidence-based strategies: leveraging strengths, managing energy, cultivating flow, building relationships, and anchoring work in purpose. These practices move beyond mere survival, enabling employees to become focused, connected, and purposeful, driving innovation and resilience.
October 23
Delhi govt allows engaging women in night shifts at shops, commercial establishments
The notification also said every employee will be entitled to double pay for overtime and a maximum of 48 hours of weekly duty, in accordance with the Delhi Shops and Establishment Act. Internal complaints committees (ICCs) will also have to be formed, it said.
October 23
Molson Coors to cut 9% of Americas jobs as part of restructuring plan
The move comes when U.S. alcohol companies are grappling with uncertainties driven by cautious consumer spending amid inflation and tariff-driven volatilities.
October 23
Freight forwarder Kuehne+Nagel to cut up to 1,500 jobs after Q3 profit slumps
The Swiss logistics group lowered its operating profit guidance for the second time this year. It now sees a profit of 1.3 billion Swiss francs ($1.6 billion) in 2025, having previously forecast it in a range of 1.45 billion to 1.65 billion francs. It was joined by Danish rival DSV which also trimmed its outlook on Thursday.
October 23
Meta to cut around 600 roles in Superintelligence Labs AI unit
The job cuts will affect Facebook Artificial Intelligence Research (FAIR) unit, as well as teams focused on product-related AI and AI infrastructure, the company said.
October 22
Long commute or no remote work - What Americans don't like about jobs among other dealbreakers
People instantly connected with the question - "What is your BIGGEST dealbreaker when it comes to a job?" - and began sharing their own reasons. Many echoed those listed by Reddit user 'Capital-Scientist551', claiming to be Ginger co-founder, citing micro-managers, long commutes, no remote work options, boring tasks, annoying co-workers, low salaries, and poor benefits or toxic culture as their top frustrations.
October 22
Gen Z are trapped in AI job ‘meat grinder'; veteran banking executive sounds alarm on modern hiring chaos: 'It takes a click to apply to everything'
Beyond clogged pipelines lies an emotional toll. “This generation is not built to withstand that level of rejection,” Nason wrote. Many students graduate with £50,000 ($67,000) in debt and find themselves locked out of high-paying jobs meant to repay it. AI threatens to reduce entry-level white-collar roles further, worsening the problem.
October 22
H-1B fears cool, companies hiring from US campuses to gain
For Indian IT services companies, the decision may be less significant. They have historically been transferring talent from India on H-1Bs, and that talent will now require payment of the prohibitive $100,000 fee. But as the IT services companies have been pointing out, their dependence on H-1Bs has diminished substantially. They are increasingly hiring locals, and to the extent they do campus hires of those on F1 student visas, they too will benefit from the Trump administration’s latest decision.
October 22
Charter Communications lays off around 1,200 employees to streamline corporate roles
The job cuts will be related to corporate management positions within the company and will not impact sales or service roles, the source said, adding that the layoffs are intended to streamline operations.
October 22
Maybe Gen Z isn’t the problem--Maybe the workplace is
What looks like ‘entitlement’ or ‘fragility’ to older generations is actually Gen Z’s quiet rebellion against burnout, broken systems, and hollow success.
October 22
Google’s New York offices bugged: Bed bug outbreak sends employees home amid infestation concerns
On October 19-20, 2025, an internal email from Google's environmental, health, and safety team notified staff of “credible evidence” of bed bugs found after exterminators and a specially trained detection dog inspected the premises.
October 21
Visa hurdles make US tech hirings tough for Indian-founded AI startups
A cocktail of regulatory uncertainty, steep new fees and immigration anxieties has spooked H-1B visa holders and made them reluctant to switch from big tech firms to smaller, riskier ventures, multiple founders told ET. They said the second order effects of the new H1-B regulations are starting to show even in lateral hires — a segment relatively less affected by policy flux.
October 21
Kroger to hire 18,000 workers for 2025 holiday season, fewer than last year
The job market in the U.S. has softened in the past few months, with economists citing the impact of tariffs, immigration crackdowns and mass firings. According to the Labor Department's report, unemployment rate increased to nearly a four-year high of 4.3% in August.
October 21
Semiconductor companies shift focus, eye niche campus talent
Delta Electronics, for example, runs a specialized program called the Delta Class— a curriculum tailored to their specific requirements. Students who undergo this training become eligible for placements, explained Niranjan Nayak, the company's India managing director. "Around 20% of our hiring comes directly from campuses, and these focused cohorts are quite beneficial," Nayak told TOI. The company recruits about 40 fresh graduates annually.
October 21
Job anxiety hits industry veterans: Here’s how to tackle sudden attrition
As workplaces evolve with technology and cost efficiencies, even seasoned professionals face uncertainty and a job loss crisis. The resulting financial, emotional, and skills challenges highlight the importance of upskilling, building networks, and embracing flexible career paths.
October 24
Digital footprints and career risks: How too much visibility shapes hiring decisions
Gen Z employees’ social-media activity is increasingly influencing hiring decisions. While such platforms help them learn, network, and build personal brands, oversharing or misinterpreted posts can cost opportunities before a CV is even reviewed. The story examines how online behaviour affects employability and offers practical steps for employees and HR teams to manage digital presence responsibly and professionally.
October 23
Beyond the basics: How AI is redefining entry-level roles
As Gen AI reshapes the world of work, entry-level roles are being reinvented across EMEA. While fears of job loss persist, reports also point to a shift from replacement to augmentation. From routine data tasks to AI-assisted problem-solving, first jobs now demand creativity, data literacy, and strategic thinking, encouraging freshers to build AI fluency and thrive alongside intelligent systems.
October 22
Fast to fail, quick to adapt: Secret to resilient leadership
In today’s fast-moving business landscape, leaders who ‘fail fast’ gain a crucial edge. By experimenting early, learning quickly, and pivoting decisively, they guide teams through uncertainty while driving innovation. Drawing on experiences from Microsoft to Unily, this feature highlights how blending corporate discipline with startup agility helps organisations adapt, scale, and turn setbacks into momentum.
October 21
Leading with resilience: How to keep teams motivated amid disruption
In an unsettled world, team happiness is a powerful signal of resilience and performance. Leaders who regularly measure, discuss, and act on employee sentiment can spot friction early, build psychological safety, and foster teams that adapt quickly, stay engaged, and maintain high productivity even amid disruption.
October 20
Rethinking ‘job hopping’: Why mobility is driving growth in the scale-up sector
In the fast-paced world of scale-ups, job hopping is increasingly normal, not a liability. Rapidly evolving roles, organisational restructuring, and short-term projects mean employees often move every two to three years. This story examines why mobility can signal ambition, adaptability, and resilience, and how professionals can frame each move as strategic growth.
October 17
The Economic Times Nextech Human Capital Middle East Summit 2025 concludes on a high note
The fourth edition of the Economic Times Nextech Human Capital Middle East Summit 2025 wrapped up in Dubai, UAE, spotlighting how human creativity and AI can coalesce to transform workplaces. Over 450 HR leaders, CHROs, and C-suite executives explored future-ready workforce strategies, people-first innovation, and actionable approaches to harness technology while keeping humans at the centre of organisational growth.
October 16
CHRO Unfiltered: Vamshi Patwari on bold HR moves, talent transformation, and organisational Impact
In this candid CHRO Unfiltered conversation, Vamshi Patwari, Group Chief Human Capital Officer at Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, opens up about the lessons, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped his approach to HR leadership. From transforming talent strategies and accelerating women’s careers to embedding culture through action rather than policy, Patwari shares how HR can move beyond compliance to become a true business partner.
October 15
The new baseline: Why 'AI fluency' is becoming as critical as digital literacy
Digital literacy is obsolete; the ability to collaborate effectively with AI is now essential. This skills 'earthquake' accelerated job change by nearly two-thirds and makes a third of white-collar work globally vulnerable to automation. Strategies are being implemented to upskill workforces, ensuring professionals focus on high-value, strategic, and human-centric work that commands a significantly higher wage premium.
October 14
Beyond AI efficiency: Which human skills define the future of work
As AI transforms workplaces, human skills are emerging as the defining factor for career and organisational success. While technology drives efficiency, human skills such as ethical judgment and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. This article explores the critical human capabilities that complement AI, ensuring a workforce where people, not just machines, shape meaningful outcomes.
October 13
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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