Headquartered in the heart of Silicon Valley, Celigo specialises in streamlining the intricate challenges of software integration for businesses worldwide. Through their Integrator.io iPaaS platform and an array of pre-built Integration Apps, they've enabled companies to seamlessly connect their applications. This integration not only simplifies processes but also enhances overall efficiency.

Recently, Celigo embarked on an expansion into the Indian market. In an exclusive interview with People Matters, Manisha Dash, Head HR - APAC, Celigo India, shared valuable insights into the company's motivations, strategies, and, most notably, its unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion as integral components of its journey.

Celigo's operations in India

At the heart of Celigo's expansion into India “is a mission to create a seamless ecosystem where independent best-of-breed applications coexist harmoniously,” described Manisha Dash and talked about the company's mission as "simple but powerful: the harmonious coexistence of independent best-of-breed applications." This mission fosters a culture of innovation and cooperation, attracting talented individuals who are devoted to harnessing top-tier products within the realm of business cloud computing (SaaS).

The company began as a modest team of four employees that has grown exponentially. Manisha Dash revealed, "Over the years, the team in India has witnessed remarkable workforce expansion, burgeoning from a mere four employees in India to a staggering 360 in 2023." The company's forward-looking aspirations aim to double their team strength in India to reach 600 within the forthcoming year.

Attracting and retaining talent in India

The success of any organisation relies on its ability to attract and retain top talent. Celigo's Campus Hiring program has been instrumental in achieving this. "The program now extends its reach to more than 30 prestigious institutions, including esteemed establishments like IITs, NITs, BITS Hyderabad,” Manisha Dash explained. 

Furthermore, Celigo places a strong emphasis on professional development and employee well-being. The head HR shared how they enhance, “employee engagement and retention rates by providing abundant growth opportunities, comprehensive training programs, and the essential resources required to nurture their leadership skills and capabilities."

Fostering employee engagement and team cohesion

In Celigo, employee engagement is a top priority. It is achieved through various programs, including wellness initiatives and a supportive work-life balance culture. Manisha Dash noted, "Our commitment to employee development is further evident in the promotion of open communication and the establishment of regular feedback mechanisms between employees and their managers, facilitating growth and fostering a collaborative environment."

The company actively champions diversity and inclusion, offering opportunities for employees to partake in Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). She stated, "This instills a sense of ownership among employees."

Strategies for diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the company’s ethos. They have leadership development programs designed to identify and nurture talent from underrepresented groups. "This deliberate effort contributes to the cultivation of a more inclusive workplace environment,” Manisha stated. 

Additionally, Celigo conducts routine diversity audits to promote inclusivity and equity. The head HR said, "By establishing well-defined, quantifiable objectives for diversity and inclusion and consistently monitoring and reporting on our progress, we ensure that these objectives remain at the forefront of our organisational priorities."

Challenges and cultural diversity

Expanding into a diverse market like India presents unique challenges, particularly related to cultural diversity. The Head HR - APAC, Celigo India explained, "Effectively managing cultural diversity and nurturing an inclusive work environment play pivotal roles in fostering strong team cohesion and enhancing employee satisfaction."

She further underscored the importance of their approach, stating, "We have adopted a deliberate and culturally sensitive approach to the management of diversity."

The future outlook for Celigo in India

As the company continues to expand in India, their commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce remains unwavering. Manisha said, "Becoming part of Celigo offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with colleagues hailing from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and a rich array of skills to the table."

Celigo's role in the Indian IT sector

Celigo's journey in India isn't just about the numbers; it's about the impact they've had on the Indian IT sector. Their steadfastness, efficacy, and dedication to a customer-centric approach have played a pivotal role in the company's ascendancy in India. The company's adaptability to an ever-evolving business landscape and consistent positioning at the vanguard of industry developments have made them a recognised and respected player in the Indian IT sector. "The Celigo Team in India has risen to prominence in the IT sector owing to its steadfastness, efficacy, and unwavering dedication to a customer-centric approach,” shared Manisha Dash. 

Diversity as a cornerstone of success

The company believes that diversity is not just a matter of numbers; it's a cornerstone of their success. Embracing a diverse workforce fosters an environment where employees can interact with individuals from a myriad of cultural backgrounds, each offering distinct viewpoints and experiences. This multifaceted interaction not only enhances creativity but also augments collective problem-solving capabilities.

"This multifaceted interaction not only enhances creativity, as different perspectives often lead to innovative solutions, but also augments our collective problem-solving capabilities. Working in such a globally diverse team can significantly contribute to your personal growth by broadening your horizons and enabling you to develop a more comprehensive skill set,” Manisha Dash concluded.