'Freshers should be curious, willing to learn'

'We are looking for ability to work in a global matrix organisation -- the ability to deal with ambiguity, flexibility to work in a changing environment, willingness to learn and be curious.'

How has the pandemic changed the way organisations hire new employees?

Once hired, how are they inducted into the workforce?

In the absence of physical interaction, how do they bond with their team mates and tackle real problems?

"The quality and the scope of work given to freshers is very important," says Rahul Nandi, left, who has been in the HR space for 23 years.

He is the talent acquisition leader, South Asia (India, Korea, ASEAN, ANZ) for GE Health Care, an American firm with its research and development office in Bengaluru.

Rahul Nandi tells A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com how his team is helping new hires get used to the new 'work from home' culture.

Are you looking for specific skills while hiring new employees in the lockdown?

We are looking for ability to work in a global matrix organisation -- the ability to deal with ambiguity, flexibility to work in a changing environment, willingness to learn and be curious.

The candidate should have good influencing skills.

How do you induct them into the workforce?

Induction is done virtually.

A buddy mentor is appointed who is a year or two senior to the fresher. They are given two weeks training to transition from classroom to corporate (C to C).

In the first three months they have to learn about the company, their project and scope of work.

We have social clubs in music, sports and other fields where they get a chance to interact with other people in the company.

What are you doing to encourage team building?

This is done with video chats as communication is more on the phone or the Internet. Communication is more intense when you work from home.

Project milestones are celebrated which brings the team together in spirit.

We have fun sessions on Fridays and encourage virtual games once a month.

With lack of physical interaction, how do you retain talent, ensure loyalty and integrity?

Loyalty to the team comes from the team leaders who show them the way.

Our team leaders are trained to interact with the freshers. They have the ability to hold the team together.

The quality of work and the scope of work given to freshers is very important. Work content keeps them interested and loyal.

How do you set goals and ensure productivity?

It is always a team target, not an individual target, each person has a role to play, so the stress is less.

When they see others working, they also work harder.

Good work is recognised and high impact awards are given. We celebrate their achievements.

What facilities do you provide to your employees so they are able to effectively work from home?

On the infrastructure front, we sponsor their furniture -- an ergonomic chair is very important.

WiFi charges are compensated. We reimburse bills and expenses on a monthly basis.

The time schedule is flexible. They can log in whenever they like.

This helps them plan their own work in tandem with their team.

*Kindly note that the image has been only published for representational purposes.