In Conversation With Anjali Byce, CHRO, STL

How has the demand for higher skills intensified, particularly in the telecom industry, and what areas of expertise are currently in high demand, emphasizing innovation, quality improvement, and efficiency? 

In the last couple of years, the telecom industry has experienced a heightened demand for advanced skills driven by various factors. The increasing intricacy of telecom networks and technologies and the escalating need for innovative and efficient solutions have set the stage for a workforce with elevated expertise. Moreover, the emergence of new applications like 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT) has further accentuated this trend.

Consequently, telecom companies are actively seeking employees proficient in various areas. Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills are crucial for automating tasks, optimizing networks, and enhancing customer service. Machine Learning (ML) expertise is sought for training models that make predictions, aiding in fraud detection, network optimization, and customer segmentation. Big data analytics is becoming indispensable for identifying trends and patterns in the vast amounts of data telecom companies collect. Cybersecurity specialists are highly sought after to safeguard increasingly complex networks from cyber threats. Cloud computing skills have also gained significance, allowing telecom companies to scale their operations easily and efficiently. The deployment of optical fibre is paramount for delivering fast and reliable internet connectivity. Key skills such as splicing and termination, material science, ducting, trenching, and more play a critical role in ensuring these networks' successful installation and performance.

Then we have material science and deployment skills like ducting, trenching etc. Alongside these technical competencies, telecom companies value soft skills, including communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, to ensure a well-rounded workforce that can effectively tackle the challenges of the dynamic industry landscape.

What strategies does STL employ to attract and retain talent with expertise in emerging technologies, considering the high demand for these skills across industries? 

Our commitment to attracting and retaining talent revolves around cultivating a positive, inclusive work culture that nurtures our people's potential while driving productivity and performance. We strategically acquire the right individuals at the right time and locations, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce as we scale with speed. Our compelling employer brand showcases our dedication to cutting-edge technologies, innovation, and career growth, highlighting the meaningful impact employees can make in shaping the future of telecommunications and related industries. Being at the forefront of emerging technologies, STL encourages a culture of innovation and research and development (R&D). We provide clear career paths and opportunities to advance our employees' skills in emerging technologies. We assign employees to exciting and challenging projects, fostering a sense of professional fulfillment. We encourage internal mobility, enabling employees to explore different roles and gain diverse experiences within the organization.

Moreover, we offer extensive learning and development opportunities, including specialized training programs, workshops, certifications, and free courses to keep our talent updated with the latest advancements in the field.

How can and how are you striking a balance between required new skills and a significant gap in skilled manpower? 

As the industry experiences remarkable growth, projections indicate that hiring in telecommunications and related sectors is expected to surge by 40-45% in the coming years, particularly with the introduction of 5G. The demand for skilled workers in 5G-centric technologies like IoT, AI, robotics, and cloud computing will reach 22 million by the end of this year. 

I strongly believe that developing digital skills and creating digital infrastructure are intrinsically linked, as internet access and digital literacy are mutually dependent. We are achieving a harmonious equilibrium between the demand for new skills and the available workforce by prioritizing upskilling and reskilling initiatives, attracting and retaining top talent, outsourcing tasks strategically, and embracing process automation. 

Then we have the STL Academy that fosters telecom learning with hands-on experience, diverse courses, and state government partnerships. For example, we have partnered with the Bihar government to train 17,000 individuals through nine specialized programs.

In response to the challenges posed by skill deficits, what steps has STL taken to promote upskilling and continuous learning among employees, particularly in emerging technology domains? 

At STL, technology is deeply ingrained in our operations. We prioritize upskilling and reskilling, offering comprehensive learning programs with workshops, webinars, and hands-on training by industry experts. Our digital platforms provide easy access to diverse courses, enabling employee self-paced learning. We promote internal knowledge sharing through workshops and peer-to-peer sessions, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Collaborating with industry partners and institutions keeps us updated on emerging technologies. 

Our partnership with Edex offers seamless access to courses from prestigious Ivy League Colleges. Through a rigorous training needs identification process, we determine the most crucial professional and leadership skills for each employee. Our comprehensive program provides courses tailored to different proficiency levels, empowering our workforce to upskill and reskill effectively.

Recently, we fully sponsored a few women to pursue a Women Leadership Program from the prestigious Indian School of Business (ISB). We understand that leadership development extends beyond technical skills, encompassing effective communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, and emotional intelligence. Hence, we invest in tailored programs and initiatives to cultivate and refine leadership abilities among our employees.

So you see, STL fosters a culture of continuous learning and empowers its employees to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving landscape in the telecom industry.

How does the skill deficit in IoT, AI, robotics, and cloud computing impact STL's overall growth and expansion plans? 

The skill deficit in emerging technologies can hinder our innovation and product development, leading to slower launches and reduced market competitiveness. Without a proficient workforce in IoT, AI, robotics, and cloud computing, we may face difficulties expanding into new markets and meeting evolving customer demands, potentially leading to dissatisfied customers and lost business opportunities. 

However, our investment in robust upskilling and reskilling programs for our workforce ensures we mitigate such risks. By nurturing and developing talent in emerging technology domains, we are positioning ourselves for sustained growth, innovation, and successful expansion into new markets. Additionally, strategic partnerships with educational institutions and research organizations are helping us bridge the skill gap and drive the company's progress in the rapidly evolving telecom industry. 

How do you assess the ROI (Return on Investment) of upskilling programs designed to bridge the skill gaps in IoT, AI, robotics, and cloud computing? 

We evaluate both the tangible and intangible outcomes of our initiatives. We measure employee skills improvement before and after upskilling and reskilling programs through assessments, evaluations, or performance metrics, particularly in specific technology domains. Additionally, we assess how the acquired skills positively impact job performance, leading to increased efficiency, improved productivity, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. Furthermore, evaluating the impact of upskilled employees on projects and deliverables related to IoT, AI, robotics, and cloud computing serves as indicators of our success, considering the quality and success of these initiatives. 

We also assess the impact of upskilling on employee retention and engagement, as employees are more likely to stay with the company when they perceive growth opportunities. Additionally, we consider the long-term benefits of upskilling on employees' career development and advancement within the organization, as higher satisfaction and reduced turnover can positively influence overall stability. We also analyse its impact on overall organizational performance, encompassing revenue growth, cost efficiency, and market positioning. Even employees that undertake our Leadership / Hi-Potential Development programs like Evolve, Accelerate, and Act Up, work on strategic business projects. These action learning projects help build muscles on skills learned in theory.

In the context of 5G deployments, how does STL empower employees to build end-to-end connectivity expertise and contribute effectively to these projects? 

Technologies, such as 5G and FTTx are a core focus for telecom operators worldwide, driving the demand for better-performing networks that optimize their return on capital invested.

STL anticipated the full potential of these megatrends many years ago and started investing in people, technology, processes, and culture. Our comprehensive training programs cover various aspects of technology with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Cross-functional collaboration fosters a comprehensive understanding of the ecosystem. We have STL Academy, a hub for telecom learning, knowledge sharing, and upskilling. Its Foundation  5G course for women bridges the gender gap, empowering women with essential skills for the dynamic 5G ecosystem. The program has been hitting milestones, arming women with essential skills to thrive in the dynamic 5G ecosystem. 

With the rapid pace of technological advancements, how does STL stay informed about the latest developments in emerging technologies, and how does this knowledge translate into workforce development strategies? 

We instil a passion for first principles thinking, measuring our work against outcomes, and a desire to address challenges in value creation for all our staff and stakeholders. This encourages everyone to develop a learning mindset and think hard about building something better each day. Bringing the customer experience directly to our technology development programs gives us a clear near-term roadmap to build against. In addition, participation in industry standards development and advanced technology roadmaps across a diverse mix of technology domains aligned with our business strategies - such as AI, silicon photonics, manufacturing, and cloud services provides our teams with a natural progression of ideas, interactions, and engagement with the latest technologies. At STL, we also champion a collaborative mindset and rigorous application of engineering, science, and business fundamentals. We learn a lot owing to a very diverse global workforce.

Lastly, with the rise of remote work and distributed teams, how has STL adapted its training and development programs to cater to the needs of a geographically diverse workforce, while maintaining consistent skill standards and knowledge sharing across the organization?

We've partnered with edX, founded by Harvard and MIT, to offer top-quality education to everyone. Our platform provides job-relevant programs for ambitious learners, fostering growth through skill-centric learning. Employees can access foundational courses, and aspiring professionals can excel in tech fields like AI, ML, fibre optic cable design, 5G RAN, and more with bite-sized modules at their own pace.

We've created forums like Evolve, Accelerate, and Elevate to connect employees with company goals. These programs combine online self-paced learning and instructor-led sessions. Over 100 High Potential Leaders have benefited from tailored development journeys through Evolve and Accelerate.

Our "People First" program focuses on managerial effectiveness, tailored to each individual's learning style. It includes live workshops, online modules, reflection sessions, and companion learning diaries.