Imagine a tech company where fresh graduates aren’t just cogs in the machine, but future innovators christened ‘Mavericks’ who get to rewrite the rulebook. That’s the world Hexaware, a global tech powerhouse, is building. Forget the usual glacial pace of corporate training programmes. Here, graduates dive headfirst into ‘Spark’, a programme that equips them not just with the technical ropes, but the tools to invent entirely new knots. This laser focus on future-proofing their workforce is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how Hexaware defies expectations.
Learning that sparks innovation
The tech industry is a whirlwind of change. Skills become obsolete faster than yesterday’s news. Hexaware understands this harsh reality. That’s why HexaVarsity, their comprehensive learning and development programme, isn’t about rote memorisation. It’s about sparking curiosity and igniting a passion for continuous learning.
“We recognise the rapid evolution of skills in our industry, with skills becoming outdated every four to five years. Therefore, we’re proactive in identifying digital and adjacent skills, ensuring that our people are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this dynamic environment,” Nita Nambiar, chief people officer, Hexaware shares with HRKatha.
For the Mavericks, Spark is the launchpad. This programme equips them with a strong foundation in core technical and business skills. But it doesn’t stop there. As their expertise grows, they can choose specialised training aligned with their desired paths, whether it’s venturing deeper into technology, business acumen, or domain-specific mastery. This tailored approach ensures graduates aren’t pigeonholed, but empowered to carve their own unique paths within Hexaware.
“We recognise the rapid evolution of skills in our industry, with skills becoming outdated every four to five years. Therefore, we’re proactive in identifying digital and adjacent skills, ensuring that our people are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in this dynamic environment.”
Nita Nambiar, chief people officer, Hexaware
Mentorship gets a modern makeover
Hexaware recognises the power of mentorship, both formal and informal. But they don’t rely on dusty old methods. Enter the MENTOR App, a brainchild of the Mavericks themselves. This innovative platform streamlines the process, allowing anyone to register as a mentor. Gone are the days of hierarchical one-way learning. Here, ‘reverse mentoring’ is encouraged, where junior employees can guide senior colleagues in emerging areas. This fosters a dynamic knowledge exchange and ensures a culture of continuous learning that transcends generations.
Leaders forged in the fire
For those with leadership potential, Hexaware offers the STRIDE programme. This initiative identifies promising candidates through project presentations and leadership panels. These high-flyers are then enrolled in flagship courses such as Management Development Programs (MDPs). These programmes cover everything from leadership and strategy to financial management, catering to diverse specialisations. But STRIDE goes beyond the classroom, offering online courses tailored to individual interests, be it operations or customer management. This focus on individual development ensures future leaders aren’t cookie-cutter products, but well-rounded strategists with the skills to excel.
“As management trainees gain experience within Hexaware and explore different functions and roles, they often develop specific interests. These interests can range from bid management to account management or even HR specialisation. The programmes within STRIDE allow participants to further develop these competencies, taking their skills to the next level,” reveals Nambiar.
Building on this foundation, Ignite 3.0 whips future leaders into shape. This programme hones crucial internal leadership capabilities, emphasising role-based competencies and key performance indicators such as accountability, ownership, and strategic thinking. Through digital transformation programmes and action-oriented activities, participants learn to integrate these learnings into their daily work, enhancing their effectiveness as leaders. Selection for Ignite is a rigorous process, considering both business needs and individual aspirations. This ensures participants are well-positioned to not only learn but to thrive in the program.
Rising above the glass ceiling
Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Hexaware. The Rising Women@Hexaware programme specifically targets female employees at various stages of their careers. Launched in 2023, this initiative has gone global, offering tailored learning solutions for women in early management, senior management, and leadership roles. These solutions range from customised classroom sessions to prestigious programmes at institutions such as Yale and INSEAD. But it’s not just about academics. Rising Women@Hexaware extends beyond skills development, providing valuable networking opportunities, mentorship, coaching, and sponsorship by senior leaders. This holistic approach fosters career advancement and shatters the glass ceiling, with the company’s female leadership representation already rising from 13 per cent to 16 per cent, with a clear goal of reaching 40 per cent by 2030.
The future is bright
Hexaware’s commitment to continuous learning and development is evident in its comprehensive training programmes. By equipping its workforce with the necessary skills and fostering a culture of innovation and mentorship, Hexaware isn’t just keeping pace with the ever-evolving tech landscape, it’s actively shaping it. The company’s focus on skilling up at every level, from recent graduates to seasoned leaders, ensures a well-rounded and future-proof workforce. This investment in human capital is a key driver of Hexaware’s success and a strong indicator of its commitment to long-term growth. Here, it’s not just about learning the ropes, it’s about rewriting the entire knot-tying manual. And that’s a future worth getting excited about.