Opus Technologies, a leading provider of payment technology solutions for banks and financial institutions, has recently been recognised as a ‘Great Place To Work®’. This certification reflects the company’s commitment to creating a positive and empowering work environment for its employees. Here are some excerpts from an insightful conversation with CEO Praveen TM that will help us understand the heart behind this achievement better.
Edited Excerpts:
Q. What does this accomplishment mean for you and your team?
It’s an immense honour, not just for me but for the entire team at Opus Technologies. This recognition validates our ongoing dedication to nurturing a work environment where people feel valued, engaged, and supported. It reflects the collaborative spirit and positive energy that permeates through our organisation. The fact that this prestigious award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Opus makes it even more special.
Q. What does organisational culture mean to you?
In an organisation of our size, culture isn’t just a slogan or a manifesto hanging on the wall. It’s the beating heart of how we operate, the invisible threads woven into every decision, every interaction, every celebration. It’s what defines us both in the boardroom and the breakroom.
The early days of any company are often marked by a close-knit camaraderie. You surround yourself with folks who share your vision, your work ethic, your sense of humor. To truly scale and reach your full potential, you need to invite new voices to the table, embrace diverse perspectives, and broaden your definition of ‘team fit’. Sure, you lose some of that initial ease when you bring in people with different backgrounds, experiences, and ideologies. There’s more friction, more complexity, and sometimes, more disagreement. But it’s precisely this clash of ideas that sparks innovation, challenges assumptions, and propels us forward. The key is to find the core values that bind us beyond our individual differences, the principles that remain our North Star even as we grow and evolve.
That’s what we’ve strived to do at Opus. We’ve built a culture that thrives on inclusivity, respect, and the constant exchange of ideas. It’s not always easy, but it’s the only way we can maintain our agility and responsiveness while scaling to serve diverse customers and remain true to our mission.
Q. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are integral to building a great workplace. How does Opus foster an inclusive environment?
DEI is not just a box to tick; it’s woven into the fabric of our culture. It begins by proactively educating everyone at Opus about the need for diversity and inclusion. We actively recruit and retain talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We have employee resource groups that provide support and networking opportunities for underrepresented groups. We regularly assess our policies and practices for potential biases and proactively address them. Creating a sense of belonging is paramount, and we ensure everyone feels heard, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
Q. Beyond DEI, what people-centric policies are in place to prioritise employee well-being and growth?
We believe in investing in our people because they are our greatest asset. We offer flexible work arrangements that promote work-life balance. We prioritise open communication and provide regular feedback to help employees understand their career progression and identify areas for growth. We have robust mentoring programs and leadership development initiatives that empower individuals to reach their full potential. Additionally, we have comprehensive wellness programs that address physical and mental health, making sure our employees feel supported in all aspects of their lives.
In technology, one cannot overstate the need for continuous learning. Technology is evolving at a fast pace. As a solutions company, we can only evolve as fast as our employees upskill. So, there’s a lot of focus on upskilling programs. Our learning and development teams assess the market demand, analyse the gap and structure programs to upskill onboard talent.
I would like to mention one of our unique initiatives that focuses on accelerating rural revival by bringing jobs to the villages. To provide tech job opportunities in rural villages, we connect with the local talent pool and offer skill development programs.
Q. Gender equality in the tech industry is a pressing issue. What specific efforts has Opus made to bridge the gender gap in your workforce?
We recognise the importance of closing the gender gap in tech and actively encourage women to pursue careers in our field. We have unconscious bias training for managers and a transparent talent management system to ensure fair and equal opportunities for everyone. We actively mentor and promote women into leadership roles, creating role models for aspiring female colleagues. We also participate in initiatives that encourage girls to pursue STEM education and careers.
Q. The Great Place To Work® survey specifically highlights employee satisfaction with leadership. How does your leadership style contribute to the positive work environment?
I believe my role is to empower others, not micromanage. I foster a culture of trust and transparency where open communication and collaboration are encouraged. I lead by example, demonstrating passion, integrity, and dedication. I actively listen to employee feedback and make myself available to address concerns and celebrate successes. I believe in celebrating individual and team achievements, creating a sense of ownership and shared purpose.
Q. Looking ahead, how will Opus continue to build upon its success and maintain its status as a Great Place To Work®?
We are committed to continuous improvement. We will constantly refine our policies and practices based on employee feedback and industry best practices. Keeping a strong focus on DEI initiatives and leadership development programs, we will strive to foster a sense of innovation and creativity, encouraging employees to take risks and explore new ideas. By staying true to our core values and prioritising the well-being and growth of our people, we are confident that Opus will remain a Great Place To Work® for years to come.
Praveen TM’s passion and commitment to his team are evident in this discussion. It’s clear that Opus doesn’t merely aim to deliver payment technology solutions; it aspires to create a workplace where individuals thrive and contribute to a collective sense of purpose. This recognition as a Great Place To Work® is a testament to their genuine efforts, and their commitment to continuous improvement serves as an inspiration for companies across the globe.
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(Brand Connect Initiative)