Digitally Connected, Personally Cared For: Admiral India’s Blueprint of Achieving 91% Retention in a Hybrid Workplace
About The Company
Admiral India is the technology excellence center providing support to the global network of Insurance brands in Admiral Group.
- Employee Strength: 350+
- Industry: Information Technology
- Indian HQ: Gurgaon
Journey with Great Place To Work India
“Being recognized by Great Place To Work® has strengthened our employer brand, making it easier to attract top talent. Great Place To Work certification and ranking signals to our employees that we are committed to building a strong culture with employee well-being at its core.”
– Gaurav Kumar, Country Head of Admiral India
Admiral India, recognized as one of India’s Great Mid-size Workplaces in 2023 and 2024, showcases a strong commitment to employee health, wellness, and happiness. Through innovative wellbeing initiatives, a flexible hybrid work model, and people-centric policies, the organization fosters a vibrant ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
- 90% of employees work remotely
- 91% Retention of employees
- 95% of employees report happiness at the workplace
- 95% of employees experience a psychologically and emotionally safe workplace
The Beginning of the Wellness Journey
Operating in the Information Technology sector with a workforce of over 350 employees, Admiral India is built on a foundation of people-centric values. From the beginning, the organization recognized that its success would stem from prioritizing its employees’ health, wellbeing, and safety.
Gaurav Kumar emphasizes, “We believe our employees are our most valuable assets. Their wellbeing has always been central to our people strategy.” Caring for employees and their holistic well-being has been a top priority for leaders since its inception.
A Culture of Care
Organizational values represent the beliefs and principles that propel a business toward success. Admiral India’s Where You Can is more than just an Employee Value Proposition; it’s a promise that life at Admiral is about more than just a paycheck. It’s about opportunities, growth, and a workplace where people feel valued. Their people promise is built on four key pillars: Be You, Make a Difference, Grow and Progress, and Share in Our Future. These values keep employees engaged and excited to be a part of Admiral. Admiral India encompasses behaviors rooted in honesty, integrity, morality, and effective management practices, ultimately defining what is crucial to the organization and where the employees can be their true selves. The organization discovered a formula that transcends the ordinary to make a difference. The organization believes the secret to success isn’t just in delivering stellar services and nurturing a culture that prioritizes its people. This simple yet profound idea of Great Culture = Happy Employees = Happy Customers is the guiding philosophy behind Admiral India’s extraordinary journey.
At the heart of Admiral India’s excellence is its innovative Ministry of Health and Wellness, a flagship initiative rooted in its mission to make wellness accessible, engaging, and woven deeply into the workplace culture. Henry Englehardt, ex-CEO of Admiral Group Plc, coined the quote, ‘People who like what they do, do it better,’ and this stays at the center of everything they do in Admiral India. They are committed to building an inclusive culture and a healthy workplace that fuels the team members to give their best at whatever they do.
The Birth of Ministry of Health and Wellness
Physical Wellbeing in Action: Beyond Policies, Into Daily Life
- Boosting Wellness Through Nutrition and Fitness
Imagine starting your workday with a healthy snack courtesy of Admiral India’s free fruit deliveries. It’s a small yet impactful gesture that sets the tone for healthier habits. For those with fitness goals, subsidized gym memberships make staying active more accessible. - Wellness Habits That Inspire Action
Wellness at Admiral India is not limited to isolated initiatives; it’s a way of life. Recognizing the challenges of hybrid work, the company launched creative initiatives: Wellness Challenges like the “Biggest Loser” and “Step Count” challenge to encourage physical activity and community building. Weekly “Wellness Wednesday” emails delivered bite-sized health tips, like reminders to hydrate or maintain good posture, helping employees integrate well-being into their daily lives.
Mental Health Matters
- First Aiders Program
Admiral India cares about its people and tackles the often-overlooked aspect of workplace care – mental health. The company supports by providing reassurance, relief, and encouragement when employees most need it.
Understanding that everyone copes with stress and mental health issues differently, Admiral India trained a team of employees and certified them to be Mental Health First Aiders to provide support and guidance to other employees during tough times. Emphasizing communication and approachability, First Aiders have become trusted contact points for colleagues facing challenges. The company actively promotes open conversations to break the stigma around mental health issues. Employees are regularly reminded of the available resources and provided with contact details for trained First Aiders. Each employee, from individual contributors to managers and team leaders, is thoroughly trained to recognize early signs of mental health challenges and provide effective, appropriate support. This initiative sends a powerful message to all employees: no one at Admiral India must navigate their struggle(s) alone. By fostering a culture of openness and trust, the company ensures that support is always within reach. - The Power of Digital Wellness: Connect & Heal
In today’s digital age, Admiral India embraces technology to extend its care. The CNH Care App is a lifeline for employees and their families, providing 24*7 virtual consultations, discounted health services, and emergency medical support.What makes the app genuinely transformative is its approach to mental health. Recognizing the growing need for emotional support, the app provides access to confidential professional counselling services, offering employees a safe space to manage stress and mental health challenges. By blending technology with empathy, Admiral India made seeking help more straightforward and accessible, breaking down barriers often associated with mental health care.
Ergonomics Workspace: Designing Workplaces for Comfort
The physical well-being of employees was never an afterthought. Ergonomically designed workstations and reclined chairs at Admiral India address common issues like back pain, making working hours comfortable and injury-free. 93% of the employees believe the office is designed to maximize productivity.
Commitment to Balance: Policies that Support Employees Beyond Work
- Hybrid work arrangements: Embracing the New Normal
Admiral India’s forward-thinking hybrid work model empowers employees to perform at their best. They have minimal in-office requirements, limited to 8 days a quarter, while employees enjoy the flexibility to work from home for the rest of the days. The organization strategically utilizes these in-office days to foster camaraderie, leveraging a dedicated team fun budget to create shared experiences and celebrate achievements. This approach fosters a healthier work-life balance, allowing them to spend more quality time with their families, and contributing to their happiness. An impressive 97% of their workforce believe they enjoy flexibility at their workplace. - Career Break Policy
At Admiral India, the commitment to a healthy work-life balance is more than just a promise—it’s woven into the fabric of the company’s culture. Employees can take up to six months of unpaid leave, all while retaining job security. It allows individuals to focus beyond work, whether prioritizing personal well-being, pursuing long-held educational dreams, or taking the time needed to recover from health challenges. Knowing that their career is secure gives employees the freedom to make choices that enhance their personal and professional lives. - Supporting Parenthood: Life’s Important Moments
Admiral India’s parental support policies further underscore its commitment to flexibility. New mothers can work remotely for up to two years, while fathers enjoy up to six months of remote work. These initiatives give new parents the time and support they need during a crucial period of their lives.
“Admiral India has a unique work culture which includes providing work-life balance to the employees, believing in the individual, and providing free & open space to perform and deliver on the assigned tasks without micromanagement; employee centricity is at the core of the HR & Company policies.”
It’s not just nice to do; it makes business sense!
Admiral India has experienced:
11% Reduction in Healthcare costs
This significant reduction in healthcare costs is a testament to the benefits of a proactive approach to healthcare.
Employee Satisfaction score raised to 96%
Employees’ satisfaction with wellness initiatives has risen to 96%, highlighting these programs’ significant positive impact on productivity.
- 13% drop in Employee turnover
This drastic drop in employee turnover signals an engaged and loyal workforce.
Key Takeaways
- People-first approach– Policies and programs tailored to support employee health and work-life balance strengthen morale and loyalty.
- Befriend Technology to leverage Digital Automation– Digital tools that enhance access to health resources and information can drive engagement and satisfaction.
- Foster a Culture of Support- From mental health initiatives to flexible work arrangements, a supportive culture attracts and retains talent.
The Great Place To Work Experience:
“Great Place To Work provides invaluable workplace culture and employee experience expertise, helping us foster an inclusive, positive, and high-performing environment. Their in-depth surveys and benchmarking tools offer actionable insights into employee satisfaction and engagement, guiding us to celebrate strengths and address growth areas. This partnership reinforces our dedication to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
From the Leader’s Desk
Great Place To Work's insights have led to a greater emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being. By considering employees’ feedback, we have introduced flexible work policies, wellness programs, and other initiatives to enhance employee happiness.”
Author
Kavya Gupta, Consulting- Great Place To Work India
Mentor
Anita Borate, Head - Research and Insights, Great Place To Work India
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