An interview with Mr. Arun Bhagat, GM-HR & Logistics, Acer India, Bangalore.

Tell us something about Acer India's operations?

Few IT companies offer the breadth and depth of products that the Acer Group does. Leveraging the vast collective technological resources available, Acer India (Pvt) Ltd. was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Acer Computer International Limited on 9th September 1999. Headquartered in Bangalore with branches in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad, Acer's mission in India is to translate the group's goal of making computer technology easier to use and more affordable to everyone in the country.

With a focused customer-centric approach, Acer in India offers unmatched uptime for all its systems through a vast network of service points, innovative and user friendly functionality while continuously lowering barriers that limit the access to the fruits of technology.

How did you attract the right talent while setting up Acer independently in India?

Acer's employment policies and practices are committed to employ the most suitable candidates based on their knowledge, experience, training, skill, attitude, aptitude and commitment and this has helped in attracting the right talent. To give equal opportunity and ensure no discrimination takes place on grounds of sex, race or religion, to encourage skill development through on-the-job training (OJT) and job transfer or rotation within the company.

It is the company's belief and policy that employees should realise their potential in order to contribute their wisdom and intelligence to the various aspects of the business. Opportunity is given to employees to gain broad experience and to develop their skills. Cross- functional transfers and multitasking are encouraged in order to achieve this goal. All employees are encouraged to upgrade themselves continuously with new skills and techniques. Our objective is to develop our employees to meet the present and future needs of the organisation.

Apart from competitive salaries how are your rewards and compensation schemes positioned for performers?

To keep motivation levels high, boost employee morale and reward achievers, Acer India has two rolling trophies that are awarded on a quarterly basis. One is for the Best Sales Team and the other is for the Best Overall Performing Team. Also, three sales persons-one from distribution segment, one from accounts and one for his/her overall performance - get a trip abroad. In addition there are on-the-spot awards. A business friendly sales incentive scheme for the sales and marketing teams and healthy annual bonuses help teams to achieve targets together.

Tell us something about your retention strategies?

The approach has been to trust people and empower them. A healthy work atmosphere with adequate challenges and a good reward system has ensured minimal attrition.

How has the recent economic slowdown affected the company? How do you handle HR issues like downsizing?

The economic slowdown has not affected us, as our aim, right from inception, was to build a collaborative atmosphere. We have deliberately kept the team size very small and emphasised on a cross- functional approach.

What are your plans for the future of the company in India?

To grow and surpass our stated objective - of making PCs and technology affordable to one and all in this country.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN

maalini.mdsKcareercommunity.co.in