The Shape of Work

#131: Sujoy Banerjee on the future of work in manufacturing, and 'The Up-skilling revolution'

October 11, 2021 Springworks Season 1 Episode 131
The Shape of Work
#131: Sujoy Banerjee on the future of work in manufacturing, and 'The Up-skilling revolution'
Show Notes Chapter Markers

On this episode of The Shape of Work podcast, our guest is Sujoy Banerjee, Group Chief People Officer & Group Head - Marketing at Gainwell Commosales Pvt Ltd.

Sujoy is an HR professional with 30 years of experience across industry sectors like Automobile, Tyre, Chemicals, Gases, Consumer Good, Industrial Products, IT, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and Infrastructure & Construction. 

He started his career in 1990 with Tata Motors Limited and since then has worked in various capacities in organizations like Dunlop, ICI, Philips, BOC, Organon, Eveready, and McNally Bharat Engineering Company Limited.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Why working from home may not be for everybody: hybrid vs remote
  • Future of work in the Manufacturing  Industry
  • The concept of “Holistic Development & well-being of employees 
  • His views on ‘The upskilling revolution’
  • 2021 Recruiting trends shaped by the pandemic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Hybrid vs. Remote work patterns

The pandemic has brought many changes in organizations working patterns. Working from home as a part or whole has become necessary today. Mr. Sujoy Banerjee believes that different organizations have different requirements for their operations. The three W’s - work, workforce, and workplace have been impacted due to the pandemic. Work has changed, resulting in skills changes required. Eventually, the workplace has also changed in terms of hygiene and safety. 

A hybrid model works for companies where some operations can be performed from home. The hybrid model is here to stay, and it is going to take a while for people to come back to the workspace.

Coming to the remote working model, Mr. Banerjee sees that going remote work best suits IT firms. But, they need to take care of the emotional and mental health of employees. 

2. Future of manufacturing industry 

The speed of work in manufacturing industries will change drastically because the repetitive nature of work is leading to automation. Robotics and artificial intelligence will take over repetitive, simple operations. This automation has cut the number of employees needed to perform work. Workers need re-skilling or up-skilling due increase in automation. 

3. Concept of holistic development & well-being of employees 

Holistic development and mental health of employees has gained focus, and organizations are to do their part to maintain the momentum. If the employees are required to come to the shop floor, their physical health requirements regarding hygiene have to be considered. In the case of working from home, there is a challenge of mental health issues. Remote working blurs the line between professional and personal.  

4. The upskilling revolution

Upskilling has become a reality and a necessity. Organizations have a social responsibility of upskilling employees for higher-level jobs. Where upskilling was not possible, companies have also shaken hands with their employees as entrepreneurs. Reskilling only shifts the position and does not allow upper-level attainment.

5. Recruitment changes because of pandemic 

The pandemic has led to changes in all functional divisions. In hiring, the physical presence of a prospective employee is no more a requirement. The turnaround time has also collapsed due to speedy documentation. The cost of hiring has been reduced. The most significant advantage is that the geographical boundaries have blurred, and the talent pool has opened. 

The I.T. Career Podcast
Your ultimate guide to success in the I.T. industry. Helping you Grow your career!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

(Cont.) #131: Sujoy Banerjee on the future of work in manufacturing, and 'The Up-skilling revolution'