Creating a nurturing workplace where employees thrive professionally and personally is crucial for modern businesses. While many focus solely on customer needs, achieving a balance with an employee-centric approach can be challenging and often overlooked.

SKIL Travel, a Mumbai-based corporate travel firm established in 2002, spanning multiple cities, stands out as an exemplary employer, renowned for cultivating an environment where employees are not only motivated but empowered to excel. By aligning employees' visions with the firm's customer-first ethos, the firm ensures a harmonious cultural fit from the outset.

The employees at SKIL Travel are often entrusted with exciting projects that not only contribute to their clients' success but also offer significant opportunities for personal and professional growth. They are regularly given the responsibility to manage complex travel logistics for major international conferences, to showcase their strategic prowess, ability to perform under pressure, enhance their cross-cultural communication skills and subsequently gain valuable experience in global business practices.

To sustain its team’s competitive edge, SKIL Travel offers continuous learning opportunities to its employees such as attending industry conferences, webinars, mentorship programs, and training in emerging technologies. SKIL Travel is committed to fostering growth and excellence in every facet of its employees' careers.

Encouraging Employee Well-Being & Growth

SKIL Travel boasts an employee-friendly and supportive workplace, where creativity and innovation are encouraged. The company's commitment to fostering a supportive environment begins with its hiring process, which emphasizes cultural fit, transparent communication, and clear pathways for career progression. “We value diversity and seek candidates who exhibit drive, curiosity, and a passion for innovation, prioritizing these traits over traditional qualifications. We strive to continuously improve our recruitment practice to make it time-bound ensuring a respectful and efficient experience for the candidates”, shares Shylender Jindal, MD & Chairman, SKIL Travel.

Women empowerment and well-being is another fundamental aspect of the company's commitment to inclusion and diversity. Its comprehensive approach includes leadership development programs, robust mentorship opportunities, and flexible work arrangements, including options for

remote work and specialized wellness programs tailored to women's health needs. Additionally, the company recognizes the importance of work-life balance with initiatives like menstrual leave, providing essential flexibility when required.

To foster employee growth, the firm provides competitive compensation packages and travel experiences that broaden employees' horizons. Regular feedback cycles promote transparency and career advancement, complemented by internal job postings that nurture and retain top talent, unlocking their full potential. Structured career development programs and mentorship initiatives facilitate internal transfers. Additionally, employees can attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and collaborate with leading travel experts to stay competitive.

SKIL Travel’s commitment to transparency, regular feedback, & structured internal job postings attracts, nurtures, & retains top talent, making it one of the best companies to work for in the travel & hospitality industry

But this is not where SKIL's offerings finish. The firm offers comprehensive mediclaim coverage, opportunities for cross-functional work experiences, and more. The firm also celebrates achievements together in townhall meetings, whether they be small feats or big wins, validating every contribution, and highlighting every effort, motivating employees to feel supported and more eager to grow. Employees are also given rewards for achievements through dedicated recognition and rewards (R&R) events.

Future Growth Strategies

"In an industry where longevity is rare, SKIL Travel has thrived for two decades, driven by our team's passion and dedication, which fuel innovation and customer satisfaction. With an industry growth rate of 50-60 percent year-over-year, human capital is crucial to our success. Our positive work culture ensures employees feel respected, heard, and valued, fostering creativity, initiative, and collaboration. Moving forward, SKIL Travel is dedicated to ongoing enhancements to reinforce our position as a 'happy place to work', where employees thrive and feel empowered", continues Shylender.

SKIL Travel is advancing several strategies to elevate employee experience and engagement. Among these initiatives is a unique opportunity for employees to pursue their passions and foster personal growth. Each team member will receive an individual budget to invest in activities and courses aligned with their hobbies, interests, or personal development goals. Additionally, the company is in the process of rolling out loyalty and performance programs that include rewards such as vouchers for home appliances, luxury gifts, family stays, dinners, and cash bonuses.

Furthermore, SKIL Travel plans to expand its learning and development programs and make substantial investments in technology to improve the employee experience, particularly in remote work and collaboration tools. The company also aims to enhance its wellness programs to support both physical and mental well-being among employees.

Through these diverse and exciting initiatives, SKIL Travel is setting exceptional standards for creating a workplace where employees are motivated to contribute while pursuing their personal goals.