The Country’s largest domestic carrier by the market share, IndiGo, is now among the best employers in the country, and owes its success to the internal culture that is guided by the principles of being ‘on-time’ and remaining ‘courteous and hassle-free’. Therefore, it is extremely important that the 12,217 employees of IndiGo adhere to these principles. “Small things like starting meetings on time, focusing on automation to make internal processes hassle-free, encouraging people appreciation and monitoring expenses are some of the ways in which the company reiterates its values from time to time,” says Aditya Ghosh, president, IndiGo.
To keep such a large flock of employees motivated, IndiGo believes in showcasing personal and professional success stories of organisation and the employees. It is an important employer branding tool, the company says. “As a HR, we are the first point of contact for everyone entering into the IndiGo family. Our culture is a catalyst that enables us to grow and most importantly sustain that growth,” says Sukhjit S. Pasricha, vice-president - HR and Admin, IndiGo.
Candidates that appear for interviews at IndiGo will often spot their recruitment specialists wearing t-shirts stating “Come Fly with Me”, or “Join the Force”, which instantly connects with candidates and fills them with enthusiasm at the very first point of interaction. There are around 2,500 additions to the company’s total strength each year. In 2015-16, IndiGO added 3,215 employees to its strength, around 360 more than the previous fiscal.
To encourage its pilots and cabin crew perform at the peak, IndiGo has ‘Flexi-flying’ programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the history of the Indian aviation, the company claims. Flexi-flying option allows pilots and cabin crew to opt for reward patterns they like the best and choose between more monetary compensation and more time-off. This drives performance and offers convenience to employees, the company said.
In order to fulfil the dreams of their employees who wish to become a pilot, the company has launched the 6E Fly High and Family Fly Programmes that allows IndiGo to extended an opportunity not just for employees but even their families to make their dreams come alive. IndiGo sponsors 75 per cent of the training fees for the top 3 students and 25 per cent for rest of the selected candidates under 6E Fly High program. The program also ensures that all the successful employees are given a role as a full-time pilot with IndiGo, the company said. The ‘Family Fly’ program on the other hand is extended for qualified family members that can apply for pilot training and on successful completion, they are assured of induction into the IndiGo pilot team. To promote opportunities for its women employees, IndiGo has introduced women in all kinds of non-traditional roles.
ashish.sinha@businessworld.in
BW Reporters
Ashish Sinha is an experienced business journalist who has covered FMCG, auto, infrastructure, tourism, telecom among several other beats. Ashish has keen interest in the regulatory scenario impacting different sectors. He writes on aviation, railways, post and telegraph, infrastructure, defence, media & entertainment, among a wide variety of other subjects.
