A taste of India

Local companies are bringing the Indian style into their workplace. To provide a unique and exotic experience, many companies are getting their employees trained in Indian soft skills.
From folding hands, greeting the customer with ‘namaskar’ to wearing suitable Indian attire, companies are providing a complete Indian experience to their customers.
Having these elements as part of the daily routine is all about providing an Indian touch to world class service.Amit Kumar, Executive Assistant Manager, food and beverage of a five star hotel, tells us, “While we are providing world class service in hospitality, the hotel is Indian at heart. The employees have been taught to welcome the guest with folded hands and say namaskar. When speaking to a guest at the restaurant, the attendant kneels down to show respect to the customer. The guests have responded very well to these aspects. They feel it’s a very homely welcome when they visit the country.
When it comes to training staffers, institutes are realising the importance of such elements and are creating made to order packages for their clients. Ahmar Khan, head of learning and development at a training company, tells us the impetus behind the addition of these Indian elements. “The idea is to break the interpersonal barriers and provide information that is close to the motherland. Plus it makes it look more exotic. It’s different from company to company. We have made several programmes with Indian traditional activities like drum circles and fire walks.” Khan adds that the institute is looking at doing programmes in Hindi.
Spas are all about providing and unique and relaxing experience. Having a touch of Indianness adds to the complete experience. Darshan Deokule, Manager, business development of a local spa, tells us, “For us, the customer is God. And hence, we make sure they are treated as such. As part of company protocol, the employees are trained to greet the customer by saying namaskar in the typical Puneri fashion. Before we start the therapy, we wash the customers’ feet. Not only is this a typical Indian tradition, it is also a way to help the customer get into the mode of relaxation.” Deokule adds that the guests have responded positively as they enjoy the experience of feeling pampered and loved.
When it comes creating a positive and long lasting relationship with the customers, quality counts above all. Yogesh Shirke, Sales Controller of a well-known travel agency, says, “As we get many foreigners who travel with us, we try to provide an Indian experience during their journeys. The staffers are encouraged to wear traditional clothing like saris and kurta pyjamas. We even invite our patrons to join us for festive and annual pujas. We have got many more customers because of these elements.”
Whatever the activity, everybody is looking for an authentic experience. And when you add such elements to the job, it makes it all the more memorable for the customer.
sanat.savanal@timesgroup.com