India’s biggest festival, Diwali, does have a tradition of giving gifts and bonuses to the workers and mid and top-level employees of all companies including garment firms.
However, like last few years, this year too most of the apparel firms had nothing much to give to its workers and employees.
Apparel Resources spoke to some mid and top-level professionals across the country in this regard. Majority of them were of the opinion that they received a lesser amount of bonus or gifts compared to last year. Some of the factories have not given any bonus to their mid and senior-level professionals too.
“We are being told that as of now the company doesn’t have funds, so it is not possible to give any bonus. Though HR is positive that bonus will be given once company starts receiving orders, we have little hope,” said a production manager of a top-level export house having factories in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru.
While some export houses have given bonus to employees, the amount was considerably less. On average, the basic bonus amount was reduced by nearly 20 to 30 per cent.
Some workers got their bonus as per policies, but their gifts (sweet pack or some utensils) were similar to those received last year.
“Factory owners wish to give more as they know that this practice has a direct impact on the motivation level of employees but they are forced not to, as the market is under pressure and it’s been a struggle for companies as far as funds are concerned,” told an HR Head of a Noida-based export house.