India Inc is projected to hike salaries by an average 9.1 per cent in 2026, which is slightly higher than the actual 8.9 per cent increase recorded in 2025, as per a new report by Aon plc.This reflects sustained salary increase on the back of positive medium-term outlook amidst geopolitical uncertainty.Real estate & infrastructure (10.2 per cent) and non-banking financial companies ( 10.1 per cent) are expected to deliver highest salary growth in 2026. Automotive and vehicle manufacturing (9.9 per cent ), e ...

The world seems to be changing at a faster rate every single day, and employees taking the brunt of the change, and fearing for the future. Job loss is rampant, economic uncertainty looms around every corner, and no one truly knows if their same job will be around tomorrow. So, how do leaders guide their teams through such tumultuous times?According to Adam Hickman, Ph.D., VP of Org & Employee Dev, Partners; The Walt Disney Company, it’s a tale as old as time. That is to say, leaders looking to the past, an ...

Core Insights - The current work environment is characterized by rapid changes, job loss, and economic uncertainty, necessitating leaders to focus on human aspects of work to guide their teams effectively [1] Group 1: Leadership Approach - Leaders should adopt a servant leadership model, prioritizing employee needs over mere metrics, which can enhance retention and employee sentiment during times of distrust and anxiety [2][3] - Hickman's background in various airline sectors emphasizes the importance of understanding employee perspectives and needs [2] Group 2: AI Integration - While AI can improve efficiency, leaders must consider the potential loss of authenticity and consumer perception when using AI-generated content, as highlighted by the backlash against AI-generated Coca-Cola ads [4] - The balance between efficiency and authenticity is crucial for HR leaders when incorporating AI into their workflows [4] Group 3: Employee Needs - Addressing the needs of a multigenerational workforce requires direct communication with employees to understand their requirements for success, rather than relying on superficial changes [5] - Trust and stability are identified as fundamental needs that leaders must emphasize to support their teams effectively [6]

Business Coaching & Leadership Philosophy - Traditional success metrics focused on long hours are challenged, advocating for efficiency and peace of mind [1][2] - True leadership is defined by a business's ability to operate effectively without constant owner intervention [2][7] - Freedom (time, money, self-expression) is the initial motivation for business owners, but often becomes a trap [3] Problem Identification - Many business owners wish for vacations free from work interruptions [3] - 34% of Indian businesses have almost zero documentation processes [5] - Two-thirds of businesses are still dependent on the business owners for day-to-day operations [5] - Business owners get caught up in ERP, CRM, Google Sheets, targets, and networking events [6] The Empire Framework (People, Processes, Technology) - The Empire framework is a six-pillared approach to building a business that runs, grows, and learns independently [7] - **E**ngagement: Focus on purpose, empathy, care, trust, acknowledgement, and appreciation to align with the values of the millennial generation [8][9] - **M**anaging Millennials: Optimize team size and acknowledge their need for purpose and public recognition [10][11] - **P**rocesses: Humanize business processes by customizing and evolving them instead of simply copying templates [12][13] - **I**nspiration: Emphasize intentionality and genuine interest in contributing to society [15][16] - **R**etention: Build a positive learning culture with group discussions, capacity building, and skill development [17][18][19] - **E**mpowerment: Skill development in AI is crucial; AI will not replace businesses, but those using AI smartly will [20][21][23] AI & Digital Transformation - Businesses should embrace AI tools to empower teams and automate repetitive tasks [21][22] - AI can make teams limitless, especially with the millennial and Generation Z workforce [23] - Digital transformation is a choice between using AI for business growth or becoming obsolete [23] Scaling & Growth - Business growth requires founders to "let go" and empower their teams [24] - The key is "peace with performance," not just success [25] - Focus on building systems for success and freedom [27]

Employee Well-being - 88% of employees experience burnout [1] - One in five employees contemplate quitting their job daily [1] Employer Strategies - Employers are increasingly using sabbaticals (extended paid breaks) to combat burnout [1] - Sabbaticals are seen as strategic tools for talent retention and employee reinvigoration [1]

Core Insights - Walmart has significantly increased compensation for its top-performing regional store managers, raising total pay to between $420,000 and $620,000, with base pay increasing from $130,000 to $160,000, reflecting a strategic investment in employee morale and retention [1][2] - The company aims to enhance its corporate culture and employee satisfaction through these pay raises, which are part of a broader trend of wage investments that began in 2015 [2][5] - Walmart's efforts have resulted in improved employee retention rates, with a reported 10% increase in hourly worker retention over the past decade, and recognition as a top company to work for [3][4] Compensation Strategy - The compensation structure for managers includes substantial stock grants and annual bonuses, contributing to a total compensation package that is competitive within the retail industry [2] - The decision to raise manager salaries is seen as a calculated move to foster a sense of ownership among managers, which is expected to positively influence their commitment to the company's performance [1][3] Industry Context - The retail sector is facing challenges related to employee satisfaction and retention, with a significant percentage of workers indicating a willingness to leave for higher pay [5] - The ongoing cost-of-living crisis and rising grocery prices have heightened the importance of competitive compensation in retaining talent within the industry [6]

Firms are using pickleball courts, fully-equipped gyms and day-care centres to entice employees back to the office. But if the economy slows, the grey cubicles may yet return https://t.co/914ncJL7M4 ...

Employee Retention - Ensuring employees do not leave is crucial [1]

Group 1 - Employers are focusing on workforce retention rather than hiring, with a report from ManpowerGroup indicating a shift in talent outlook as organizations prepare for Q4 [3][4] - A significant number of employers are considering workforce reductions, with only a small percentage planning to hire more in Q4 2025 [4] - Career growth pathways are identified as the leading driver of employee retention, surpassing trust in senior leadership [4] Group 2 - A report from Workday highlights that top performers are leaving companies due to stalled career growth and a decline in internal promotions [5] - Despite potential backlash, large employers (84%) are more likely to maintain diversity and inclusion initiatives compared to smaller companies (67%), viewing them as stabilizing forces amid economic uncertainty [6] Group 3 - Employee retention and burnout are critical concerns for employers, with two-thirds of over 4,000 surveyed expressing worries about stress and burnout effects [8] - Only a quarter of employers provide mental health training for leaders, indicating a gap in support for managing workforce well-being [8] - A majority of employers (74%) plan to implement inclusion and diversity initiatives in 2025 to strengthen organizational culture and combat high turnover [8]

Employee Retention - The article discusses signs that top performers are considering leaving the company [1] - It also provides advice on what actions to take to prevent employee attrition before it's too late [1]