Are you struggling to find skilled programmers in your local talent pool? Are the high costs of employing tech experts in your country becoming a hurdle for your business? If so, it may be time to outsource your projects or hire Indian programmers.
According to a recent report, India is on par with Europe and the USA as a leading market for tech talent, holding a significant share of 16%. This recognition highlights India’s status as an ideal destination for skilled tech professionals.
However, before hiring Indian programmers, you must acquaint yourself with their work culture. What values and expectations shape their professional lives? What are the customs that affect communication and teamwork?
This article will explore these aspects and provide insights into the Indian work culture. With this knowledge, you can streamline hiring and build strong relationships with your Indian tech team.
Understanding Indian Work Culture
In the global recruitment landscape, recruiting managers must have cultural awareness when hiring tech talents from India. For this, you must accustom yourself to the unique strengths and cultural variations of your Indian programmers.
It will create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, bringing out the best in your team. Here are some essential aspects to consider:
Hierarchy and Respect
In India, there is a high “power distance” where hierarchy and respect for authority hold value. It’s common for subordinates to question their superiors and be more submissive to their managers.
So do not think of their absence of pushback or questions as disinterest or lack of engagement. Instead, it is a cultural difference that prioritizes respect and conflict avoidance.
Pro-Tip: You can have one-on-one meetings and provide a platform for them to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Communication Style
Indian communication tone tends to be more indirect and polite compared to the frankness often seen in Western cultures. As a result, Indian programmers may hesitate to express disagreement or offer alternative viewpoints.
Pro-Tip: To bridge communication gaps, create a safe space where your team feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Active listening and providing constructive feedback can further promote effective communication.
Relationship Building
In India, people place a high value on building long-term relationships. This cultural aspect extends to the workplace as well. Getting to know your Indian programmers can go a long way in building trust and improving collaboration.
Pro-Tip: Encourage team bonding activities and provide opportunities for informal interactions. Organize team outings or virtual get-togethers to foster a sense of fellowship and strengthen team relationships.
Empowerment and Decision-Making
Indian programmers may be more used to hierarchical decision-making. But this does not mean they lack ambition or the ability to contribute ideas. With proper guidance and supervision, they can successfully navigate this transition.
Pro-Tip: Inspire them to share their opinions and take ownership of their work. It will help you build a positive work atmosphere and nurture decision-making.
Work Ethic and Commitment
Indian professionals have a reputation for being hardworking and sincere. They often go the extra mile to get things done and deliver high-quality results. So, supporting them in finding a good work-life balance and avoiding burnout is essential.
Pro-Tip: Motivate your Indian colleagues to take regular time off and emphasize their well-being.
Tips for Hiring Indian Programmers
Now that you are familiar with Indian work culture, here are some valuable tips to assist you in hiring Indian programmers.
Write Clear Job Descriptions
Before hiring, define the skills, experience, and qualifications you seek. This approach will help you find suitable candidates and streamline the selection process.
For example, suppose you want to hire for a software developer position. Define precise job requirements, like programming language command and experience level. You can also highlight your company culture and values. Doing so will narrow down the pool of candidates who meet your needs.
Conduct Comprehensive Interviews
When interviewing Indian programmers, focus on technical skills, soft skills, and cultural fit. Conduct thorough interviews to assess problem-solving abilities and communication skills.
For example, consider real-time assessments and coding tests to evaluate technical knowledge. Also, inquire about their team-working experience and how they handle challenging situations to gain insights into their soft skills.
Provide Onboarding and Training
Developing a structured onboarding process is essential for a smooth transition of new hires. This strategy will help them understand your company’s culture, policies, and operations.
For example, offer training programs to prepare them with the necessary skills to excel in their roles. It will help them to adjust faster, align with company values and become productive.
Observe Progress and Provide Support
Keep a close eye on the performance and growth of your Indian programmers. Provide constructive feedback, resources, and mentorship.
For instance, you can assess their monthly performance to help them overcome problems and encourage innovation.
How to Tackle Common Issues When Hiring Indian Programmers?
When you hire Indian programmers, there are many difficulties that you may encounter. However, with the right approach, you can overcome these hurdles.
Establish Clear Communication Channels
Despite the widespread use of English in India, language barriers can still be present. So, specifying clear and effective communication channels in a multicultural workplace is crucial.
Tools like Slack or Teams can ensure seamless collaboration between your team and Indian programmers. Scheduling regular video conferences promotes connection and alignment.
Embrace Cultural Diversity
Cultural differences can lead to misinterpretations or difficulties. But you must understand the diversity that Indian programmers bring to your team.
A study by Harvard Business Review found that embracing cultural differences can build trust and collaboration in global teams. To achieve this, encourage knowledge-sharing and create an environment that values different perspectives.
Leverage Outsourcing Companies
Given India’s vast pool of programmers, finding the right talent can be challenging. You can partner with Indian outsourcing companies to streamline the hiring process. They can assist in finding suitable candidates and handling the logistics of hiring remote experts.
Handle Time Zone Differences
When working with Indian programmers, you must keep the time zone gap in mind. India operates on Indian Standard Time (IST), which may differ from your local time zone.
Adjust the work schedule of your local team or the Indian programmers to accommodate a few hours of shared working time. This approach promotes collaboration and fosters teamwork across geographical boundaries.
Conclusion
Indian programmers are known for adaptability, troubleshooting skills, and strong work ethic. They can provide unique and creative insights, making them a valuable addition to any team.
Successful working relationships rely on effective collaboration, open communication, and cultural sensitivity. Hence, to harness the potential of Indian programmers, you must embrace their unique work culture.
So, why wait? Hire Indian programmers and drive business growth through productive working relationships.
