In the Global Capability Centre (GCC) industry, a well-established truth is that talent holds absolute significance. Organizations create robust talent acquisition funnels, invest heavily in skilling initiatives, and do everything that they can to retain their best people. A GCC's success is undeniably tied to the skills and expertise of its team. 

The next key factor in line is your workspace strategy that is related to enabling the right logistics and real estate. 

India's next-generation GCC ecosystem is on the rise, with approximately 1,700 GCCs now operating in the country. The hiring surge is expected to spike by 18-20% in 2025 across AI, cybersecurity, and data science. To achieve innovation-led growth, these centers are building a talent strategy that goes beyond traditional hiring and skilling. They are focused on creating flexible, digitally connected, and sustainable workplaces that prioritize inclusion.  

The idea that your office design is as important as your talent strategy might seem counterintuitive, but in today’s competitive landscape, they are not separate entities. They are two sides of the same coin, and one cannot succeed without the other. 

Beyond Cubicles and Cafeterias 

A few years ago, a GCC’s workspace strategy was a straightforward affair. It was about securing enough square footage to house a growing workforce, ensuring desks were ergonomic, and maybe adding a few perks like a cafeteria or a gym. The model was simple; provide a physical space, and talent will fill the necessary gaps.  

But the pandemic changed everything. It proved that work could happen anywhere and reset employee expectations. For GCCs this shift has been a game-changer. The talent being sought and retained is no longer willing to sit in a cubicle. They have experienced the flexibility of remote work and now expect a hybrid model that blends the best of both worlds. 

This is where your workspace strategy becomes a talent strategy. It's now about creating a purpose-driven environment that supports employee wellbeing, fosters collaboration, and enhances productivity. 

Talent Attraction and Retention 

Consider two competing GCCs in Hyderabad. Both offer similar salaries and interesting projects. 

• GCC A mandates a strict five-day-a-week, in-office policy, with a traditional, closed office layout. 

• GCC B adopts a dynamic hybrid model, offering flexibility, and its office is a mix of collaborative pods, quiet zones for focused work, and social hubs. It's a space designed for specific activities, not just for sitting at a desk. 

Which GCC do you think will attract and retain the best talent? The answer is clear, GCC B.  

Its workspace strategy is an integral part of its employee value proposition (EVP). It shows respect for employee’s time and autonomy.  

Creating a Catalyst for GCCs 

A smart workspace strategy also directly impacts productivity and innovation. Traditional office layouts, with their rows of identical desks, can stifle creativity and cross-functional collaboration. A well-designed hybrid workspace, however, can act as a catalyst for new ideas. 

Let’s consider a software development team at a GCC in India. Instead of being confined to a single area, they can move between a high-tech ‘agile lab’ for sprint planning, a quiet library for individual coding, and a social lounge for informal brainstorming. This flexibility caters to different work styles and helps people get involved.  

The challenge of replicating ‘water cooler moments’ in a hybrid world is real. The solution isn't to force people back to the office but to design both physical and virtual spaces that encourage spur-of-the-moment interactions. This could mean creating inviting break areas in the office and using online platforms to host virtual coffee chats and social events. 

Employee Experience and Workspace Strategy 

Your workspace strategy is a physical manifestation of your company's culture. Culture isn't something that you can write on a wall. It is built through shared experiences and the work environment that you create. 

A GCC's strength often lies in its ability to build a cohesive culture that spans continents. If your workspace strategy doesn't support this, then your culture will suffer.  Think about a new employee joining your GCC.

Their first impression of the workspace, whether it’s a welcoming, well-equipped office or a clumsy, frustrating remote setup, will shape their view of the company. 

Workspaces should be designed to facilitate co-creation and innovation, as it is not just a location to operate from, but a tool for cultural immersion and collaboration. 

Actionable Steps 

So, how do you make sure your GCC's workspace strategy is as robust as your talent strategy? 

• Your purpose? What is your GCC’s strategic goal? Is it to be a hub for innovation, a center for operational excellence, or a blend? Your workspace must be designed to support this purpose. 

• Listen to your people. Use surveys, focus groups, and data to understand how your people work. Don't assume a one-size-fits-all solution. 

• Don't just tack on a hybrid policy. Design your physical and digital spaces specifically for hybrid work options. This means investing in technology that makes remote collaboration just as effective as in-person interaction. 

• Prioritize well-being. Make sure your workspaces are inclusive, welcoming, and promote mental and physical health. 

• Track key metrics, such as employee satisfaction and collaboration effectiveness. Use this data to continuously refine your strategy.

The Integrated Advantage 

In the modern GCC landscape, the distinction between your talent strategy and your workspace strategy is fading. You cannot attract, retain, and empower the best talent without a forward-thinking workspace strategy. By viewing your workspace as a strategic asset, you can unlock your GCC’s full potential, drive innovation, and create an employee experience that delivers value. It is time to stop seeing your workspace as just an overhead cost and start seeing it as a strategic imperative. 

Enablr offers Workspace Solutions to enable enterprises to create high-performance workspaces that drive innovation and employee engagement. From designing flexible, digitally integrated environments to providing end-to-end solutions, Enablr's expertise ensures your workspace strategy is fully aligned with your talent goals. 

Ready to build next-gen GCCs powered for the future? Connect with our team of experts.