Designing Work for Next Generation Talent

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, organizational success depends beyond innovation in processes and operations, but on how work systems are designed to enable people to perform and grow.

With youth forming the largest demography in India, it is no secret that they are key to shaping the future of enterprises. Yet, their ability to drive true progress depends on whether businesses create the space and flexibility for them to innovate, experiment, and grow. Hence, at Brigade, we have not only recognised the importance of this progression but have also effectively embedded it into our systems and people. The advancement starts from implementing changes that not only facilitate and ease day-to-day tasks for existing employees but also set an environment of growth and acceptance for the youth.

Whether it's through bringing in interns from various fields to bring a fresh perspective or providing flexibility that enhances job satisfaction and work productivity, we focus on refining and designing work systems that are youth-centric.

The role of interns within an organization serves as a strong embodiment of this idea. They share a symbiotic relationship with the company, where on the one hand, the organization provides prac- tical exposure and meaningful tasks that allow interns to apply their the- oretical knowledge while gaining insight into hierarchy, team dynamics, and the work environment. On the other hand, interns bring a fresh set of eyes, helping to rethink existing processes and contribute to more efficient, less time and labour-intensive ways of working.

Similarly, Brigade has cultivated a work culture that promotes work-life balance and flexibility for its employees. The com- pany recognises the long-term benefits of such practices, including enhanced trust and greater employee autonomy. They have also adopted an open app- roach to mental well-being by part- nering with organizations like YourDOST, providing employees access to free counselling services and support.

The first role one takes on at Brigade is not seen as the destination but rather the start to a fluid career journey that can span across the different sectors the company offers which include retail, real estate and hospitality. Whether it’s a culinary chef from hospitality work- ing in the HR department or an engineer with a keen interest in sales, Brigade supports cross functional and inter- sectoral mobility allowing employees to apply their diverse backgrounds in the field encouraging a dynamic and learning work environment.

To engage future talent, it’s essential to maintain ongoing interaction with academic stakeholders, students and faculty to understand students’ expectations and needs. In line with this, over the past year, Brigade has partnered with XLRI faculty on talent development initiatives in sales and leadership, and with the Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management for a curated pro- gramme for civil engineers. These efforts have helped us build ongoing relationships with academic institutions.

In conclusion, designing updated work systems for the emerging talent is not just about policy changes but a mindset shift. Through a series of interventions to engage and develop the next gene- ration of talent, such as promoting flexibility, exploration and valuing diverse perspectives, organisations like ours are actively setting a bench- mark for other industries to follow.