Talent and infrastructure biggest problems for MNCs in India

A new research by Steelcase shows that the type of work global enterprises perform in growth markets like India and China is becoming increasingly more sophisticated. As companies in growth markets move from simple task-based work to higher-value functions like process engineering, the flexibility and adaptability of workspaces is becoming critical. Companies that once saw the developing world as primarily a source of low-cost labour are now shifting to higher-skilled work in places like India and China, while moving more basic operations like call centres to cheaper locales such as the Philippines.

By 2030 India's middle-class growth is expected to accelerate and reach 475 million. For this younger generation, the work they do is as important as the reputation of the company and the salary paid. Additionally seven of the 10 most expensive real estate markets are in Asia. As a result, businesses in growth markets have limited space for large employee populations. The study suggests that enhancing employee wellbeing even in a very high-density workplace begins with offering a palette of different types of spaces that can spur creativity and foster teamwork, and a modular approach to office design can assure resiliency in the context of constant change.