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India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are setting the pace in workplace culture, according to Deloitte’s latest India GCC Culture Sensing Report. Covering over 100 leading GCCs across financial services, technology, life sciences, consumer, and industrial sectors, Indian GCCs are scoring high on inclusion, ethics and learning. Empowerment and inclusion emerge as the strongest area, with 95% of companies scoring 80 or above, highlighting a strong commitment to diversity, employee well-being and collaboration. Overall, median culture scores across sectors remain above 80, signaling a generally positive and progressive workplace for India’s GCC workforce.

Within this promising landscape, the financial services sector is reshaping the work culture narrative, setting benchmarks that drive both people and performance. According to the report, financial services GCCs have emerged as hubs of collaborative work environments, offering competitive compensation and continuous learning, all of which are key ingredients making the sector a talent magnet and a driver in the nation’s digital economy.

These GCCs post a strong culture index of 81, outperforming many peer sectors, with more than half of companies in the vertical scoring 80 or higher. Scores are particularly strong in “empowerment and inclusion” (89) and “growth and learning” (83), reinforcing a workplace ethos that prioritises supportive teams, accessible leadership and abundant opportunities for advancement. “Ethics and sustainability” scoring 83, also remains a hallmark, reflecting India’s growing commitment to responsible business.

Such environments, the report highlights, propel collaboration and feature flat organisational structures that encourage open communication and a sense of ownership, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention. Rewarding excellence is central, with leaders facilitating career growth and equitable recognition, further boosting morale.

However, the report notes persistent cultural pain points. Long working hours and high-pressure environments remain concerns, often leading to employee burnout, an area where the sector lags. The culture index for agility and innovation stands at 69, indicating room for organisations to reduce bureaucracy and foster more nimble decision-making. 

For the financial services GCCs, building on current strengths, collaborative environments, learning culture, ethical foundations, while taking meaningful action on work-life balance and agility will be critical. As the sector grows alongside innovations, these cultural differentiators may well set the global benchmark for talent and transformation in the sector.