Hot Seat

A people’s entrepreneur

Mark Atkins, Managing Director, Compass Connections, shares with Vinita Gupta his formulae for keeping employees happy and motivated.

Mark Atkins

Mark Atkins believes that the key to organisation growth is —keeping the staff happy and motivated. He says, “We have a number of initiatives at Compass Connections to provide work–life balance to all our employees. Although, accurate and timely customer service is the hallmark of Compass Connections’ services, we do ensure fun at the workplace for our employees.” He adds, “The nature of work in the outsourcing industry can sometimes get monotonous and there is continuous challenge to keep the staff energised and motivated. Hence we ensure that there is proper balance between work and fun.”

Atkins is a Co-founder of Compass Connections, a knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) unit, which provides businesses with financial and administrative information. Prior to this, he was instrumental in the start-up of WNS, British Airways’ outsourcing division and one of the leading BPOs in India. He has been working in off-shore outsourcing for over 10 years and was involved in the company’s focus on accounting and administration. Atkins was earlier CFO of WNS, Finance Manager of Speedwing (a division of British Airways) and has held various CFO positions in smaller businesses.

He has done his graduation in sociology from the London University and CA from the Institute of Chartered Accountants, London. Atkins is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales.

Atkins says, “My parents have been my greatest inspiration. Professionally, I was inspired to start on my own because of the lack of appreciation from my own bosses.”

His people-focus is evident in the HR policies of his organisation. Unlike other BPOs, Compass Connections does not have night shifts and people work five days a week. Many fun-filled activities are organised for employees. Atkins believes that ensuring ‘fun at work’ offers multi-fold benefits to the organisation as it helps to reduce stress levels and improves employee motivation. He says, “These benefits result in enhanced productivity and better customer service. And more importantly, in controlling the attrition level and attracting better talent.”

Atkins says, “We recognise people as our core strength and lay special emphasis on hiring and retaining those we believe will make this organisation a global leader. We not only equip our people with excellent training to meet challenging assignments but also empower them so that they fulfil and exceed expectations.”

Atkins agrees that success is determined by teamwork and passion. “My major achievement has been my ability to keep the business alive, to be able to provide a great work-life to my employees. I believe that my staff should have a concrete career development plan and their career should benefit professionally from working at Compass Connections,” says Atkins.

Atkins’s greatest motivation in life is his three children—two sons and a daughter. His dream is to see Compass Connections grow and provide a fulfilling career to his employees and deliver rewards to the shareholders.

He says, “We at Compass Connections are committed to providing businesses with timely, accurate and detailed financial and administrative information to enable them to focus on the services they provide their customers. Our services help our customers manage their businesses more effectively and provide them with opportunities to grow. I would like Compass Connections to not just meet client expectations but go much beyond.”

Atkins likes reading historical novels, fishing and travelling as he is very keen to learn about different cultures. He is passionate about people.