India is a global hub hosting for Global Capability Centres (GCCs), hosting more than 1700 GCCs, with more than 2975 centres. Employing more than 1.9 million people, these GCCs collectively contribute $64.6 billion in revenue in FY 2024. By 2030, the GCC market in India is projected to grow around $100 bn by 2030, with headcount crossing 2.5 million.

Sensing the urgency to stay ahead of the competition, GCCs in India are proactively addressing challenges related to talent, sustainability, inclusion, and diversity. They are adopting a proactive approach to innovation and development and leveraging strategic opportunities and well-being. They are investing in talent development, career pathing, learning programs, and personalised benefits to cater to a diverse workforce in India.

Monica Jamwal, Managing Director, Talent Solutions at Talent500, highlights “With a push for innovation through advanced technologies like AI/ML and automation, we are ensuring GCCs remain agile and prepared for future challenges.”

AstraZeneca India Private Limited (AZIPL), is actively scaling its Global Capability Centre (Global Innovation and Technology Centre) to broaden its focus beyond Information Technology to include engineering, supply chain, research & development, and business services.

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“We adopt a comprehensive approach to evaluating our centre's performance, measuring our results against our scorecard, objectives, and key outcomes to support growth and sustain practices that have contributed to our success. Regular external reviews help us ascertain our progress, assess risks, and develop mitigation plans. The key focus areas, including talent, sustainability, and inclusion & diversity plans are systematically evaluated and monitored to ensure a positive work environment,” explains Anuradha Kumar, Head of HR, Global Innovation and Technology Center (GITC), AstraZeneca India Pvt Ltd.

To stay competitive, Aurigo believes in investing in its people. Its upskilling initiatives, including access to platforms like Udemy and participation in various leadership programs, empower its employees with the latest knowledge in emerging technologies and business administration. “These programs are focused on encouraging trust, accountability, and effective communication to ensure that our teams remain agile and ready to address industry challenges,” says Marisa Landez, VP of HR at Aurigo.

For Guardian India, the methodology to propel its employees' professional journeys is attracting top talent and empowering them with a clear vision, industry-leading technology, and cross-functional skills. 

“Adjacent to this, we believe well-being is a productivity propeller, and we prioritise employee well-being through comprehensive health benefits and mental health support, an inclusive culture, among others,” says Parag Mehra, CHRO, Guardian India.

Challenges for GCCs in India

Despite their rapid growth, GCCs in India face significant hurdles. Acquiring and retaining talent, fostering an inclusive culture, managing engagement and well-being, and evolving expectations of the workforce are some of the prominent challenges for GCCs in India. Regulatory compliance further adds layers of complexity, particularly for newer GCC entrants. According to a study by CaptiveAide and Feedback Insights, 84% of GCCs face cultural integration challenges. In comparison, 55% grapple with regulatory compliance, reflecting the need for cultural training programs, robust compliance frameworks, and empowered local leadership.

In response to the challenges, talent leaders are prioritising seamless, candidate-centric experiences to attract talent, capability building through upskilling is also essential for them. Strategic initiatives to ensure resilience and success are also in place, to addresses cultural nuances through targeted training and strong local leadership are other things that HR leaders are focussing on to overcome the challenges.

By embracing a proactive approach, GCCs are positioning themselves as strategic hubs as they are well-poised to lead on the global stage. With the adoption of advanced technologies and strategic initiatives, they are not just overcoming challenges but setting benchmarks for excellence in the industry. As the GCC market expands, it will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s position as a global leader in talent and innovation.