Talent war: Focus extends to new cities

A new study shortlists 15 tier-2 cities for their attractiveness in terms of producing relevant talent and providing a conducive atmosphere for business. Ahmedabad, Coimbatore and Chandigarh hold the top three positions

Reverse exodus is as defining of these times as masking and social-distancing. With living rooms playing makeshift offices, it made sense for employees to return to their roots, operating from their hometowns. Between Coronavirus surges, when there would be a semblance of normality, companies in various sectors sought to test and establish work models more aligned with the changing times and employee expectations. Now, after nearly two years of the pandemic in India, hybrid work models and permanent remote work are options being offered by many organisations.

With permanent work-from-home fitting in with various positions, companies are looking for talent in tier-2 cities, and the offer letters are gold-rimmed with the irresistible perk of letting the new recruits operate from those cities.

That is not all. As found by a new study by Zinnov, a management consulting and strategy firm, a growing number of corporates are setting up centres in these tier-2 cities, where they had not had a striking presence earlier.