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Work culture
Subex: enlightened employer
Vinutha V tells of a company where even employees are treated
like kings
 A
recent online employee satisfaction survey conducted by Subex Systems showed
that 92 percent of respondents rated the company satisfactory. The success can
be attributed to an evolved HR system. Ajmal Yusuf, a project leader at Subex,
recalls, “Recently, when the company was shifting to a new location, I
had a problem changing my kid’s school. I had an informal chat with our
CEO about the problem. Within a couple of days the issue was sorted out, and
the company tied up with a school where Subexians now have reservations for
admission. Clearly, Subex is committed to its employees, and safeguards their
best interests.”
The HR department works with the management and employees
to ensure that people stay with the company. Indeed, Subex has outlined comprehensive
HR methods to keep its employees happy. Explains Sudeesh Yezhuvath, chief operating
officer (COO) and head of HR, “Our approach towards the development of
employees is different. As a product development company, we differ in terms
of capabilities requirements, training needs and retention
strategies. We have chalked out HR initiatives to take care of employees right
from the first point of contact to their stay in the company, and we have some
programmes for ex-Subexians too.”
Subex identifies its prospective candidates from the campus,
and when they are in their seventh semester, offers them the post of Software
Engineer Trainee, an entry-level position. A monthly stipend is paid till the
candidate joins the company. On the very first day at Subex, employees are given
their personal workspace area (networked area), desktop/notebook and business
cards to get a hang of the work. The new recruits are also given a presentation
to familiarise them with the company’s facilities, practices, do’s
and don’ts.
The technical sessions focus on specific technology areas
for the benefit of employees, and are held regularly. Employees are allowed
to pursue their education in their respective functional areas through distance
education, for which Subex provides encouragement by giving financial assistance.
Communication channels
 To
create a feel-good factor and boost employees’ morale, every fortnight
the COO meets a group of employees for lunch. This is because communication
has been given a major thrust at Subex. The company has theme-based four internal
houses as part of the Subexian Culture Club. The houses are named after galaxies,
colours and cartoon characters, which change every year. “The aim of this
initiative is to make the normal workplace a lively place. And with the change
of houses and its members every year, Subexians get a chance to interact with
every other person in the organisation,” adds Yezhuvath.
Talent development
After much thought, Subex has devised a talent development
programme known as the Subex Leadership Programme (SLP), which provides an opportunity
for both existing and aspiring managers to learn and upgrade managerial skills,
soft skills and time management. This seven-month programme is designed purely
for the development of the skills of a Subexian, which in turn helps the organisation.
The profiles and records obtained during SLP are kept confidential, and are
not used during any appraisal assessment. The half-yearly appraisal system at
Subex is paperless, and mainly based on the achievements of an employee. The
company has always wanted its people to have a life outside office, and therefore
it doesn’t encourage employees to stay back after six in the evening.
Birthdays, parties, outings and family get-togethers are
not ignored. During the company’s annual day, any Subexian who has excelled
beyond the expectations of the company is presented with the Subexian Pride
Award. Employees completing five years are offered a fully-paid holiday package
for three days with the family. Vinod Kumar, a senior product manager who is
with the company for close to three years, feels that the HR initiatives of
Subex have remained consistent during all that time. “In my previous jobs,
I’ve seen HR professionals initially promising high but delivering less
as time went by. By comparison, at Subex, I find the HR is committed to its
promises throughout the employee’s stay.”
ex-Subexians
Employees who have left the organisation are called SubEXians.
A newsletter, Xs, is brought out to acknowledge their contribution and update
them about the latest happenings in the company. In Xs, the CEO of Subex shares
news about the company’s growth witnessed in the past quarter, newly-developed
products, events and acquisitions. The company recently devised a SubEXians
Referral Scheme, whereby SubEXians, on referring a candidate, will get referral
award of Rs 25,000 given as cash. The company has over 125 SubEXians under this
Xs initiative.
vinutha@expresscomputeronline.com
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