ANZ is the only major Australian bank which fully owns its operations in India. This is now starting to deliver real benefits to our bottom line and our culture.
ANZ has been operating in Bangalore since 1989 and employs 1,800 people including 60 employees who are seconded to Melbourne. Our operations provide a specialist capability in developing and managing software and technology, as well as support and back-office processing services.
According to Fred Bertram, Managing Director, Operations, Technology and Shared Services (OTSS) India, the Bangalore operation has provided ANZ with a highly skilled workforce while also helping us to remain cost competitive and supporting our growth in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region.
'We are building up a resource base that is ANZ's - not a third party's. The people are ANZ people, and that ownership and the cultural connection will position us well as we extend into Asia.'
IMPACT ON OUR STAFF
We have made a series of commitments to our employees who are impacted by the offshoring of functions to our Bangalore team.
These include ongoing communication about proposed changes, retraining staff who wish to continue their careers at ANZ and giving them priority for vacant roles within ANZ.
We also offer workshops on resume writing and interview techniques, advice on career goals and planning and case management support. In our Technology area, staff were also offered up to $5,000 for retraining to assist with securing their next opportunity either internally or externally. Our goal is to retain as much talent and experience for other areas of the business as possible, while also minimising the impact on staff.
Since October 2005, a total of 538 permanent employees have been impacted by offshoring - this includes 256 employees in Operations and 282 in Technology. Of the employees impacted, 38.5% (207 people) were redeployed into other positions at ANZ.
BUILDING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR INDIAN WORKFORCE
We offer one of the best recruitment and onboarding programs in India. Employees are attracted to our brand values and improved work-life balance. Most of our employees work fewer hours than those required by other major Indian employers.
We have a highly qualified workforce with strong career aspirations. In fact, almost all of our employees have a tertiary qualification and the majority have a technology or Masters degree.
This presents unique challenges and opportunities. Wage increases are growing rapidly to meet employee aspirations (15% per year over the past three years) and there are shortages in good quality leadership talent. Employee turnover is high compared to Australia and New Zealand - but still lower than the local industry average.
We have responded to these challenges in a number of ways.
For example, our high performers are offered a range of career and development opportunities. These include management and leadership skill development, career acceleration, secondments to Australia and additional investment in professional development. There are also 30 employees from Bangalore participating in the Group's Talent program, 15 employees participating in a mentor program with Australia and our Breakout program is also being offered to managers in India.
We are also establishing our local community investment strategy to help increase employee engagement. We have partnered with Parikrma Humanity Foundation, a school for underprivileged children and our people development program also includes secondments with our community partners. Staff are also encouraged to take paid volunteer leave to assist local community organisations.
THE FUTURE FOR ANZ IN BANGALORE
ANZ will continue to leverage our technology and operations centre in Bangalore to build a world-class capability consistent with ANZ values and practices.
Nidhi Nikum, Technical Analyst in Bangalore says: 'ANZ's culture in India is just starting to take off. It has a vision towards operational excellence and it's serious about things like diversity and work-life balance. I think this will help us to retain the right people to get us where we want to be.'
