“We do not claim to be more unselfish, more generous, or more philanthropic than other people. But we think we started on sound and straightforward business principles, considering the interests of our shareholders our own and the health and welfare of our employees the sure foundation of our prosperity.” – Jamsetji Tata

The social fabric is undergoing rapid change, shifting human behavior and introducing new sources of motivation. While economic gaps continue to widen, the opportunity to move up the rungs in a few decades has never been as accessible as it is today. However, more interesting than the opportunity for this accelerated economic growth is the informed autonomy individuals now have to determine the terms on which they seek this economic upgrade.

With more and more employees also becoming shareholders in the market, they clearly understand what those extra hours at work can mean for their own individual wealth. But is it just wealth that one seeks? In a world of excessively stimulated experiences, the sense of fulfillment is becoming increasingly elusive.

For employers today, it is essential to re-examine, with a childlike curiosity and an innovator’s mindset, the motivation drivers for their workforce. While building shareholder profitability and subsequently contributing to the nation through a sustained and self-sufficient economic model, they also need to deeply reflect, articulate, and create a living model of the core human values they stand by.

The Tatas have been guided by this single principle, and I am privileged to experience this on a day-to-day basis, far beyond the rhetoric of minimum weekly working hours or what one does on a Sunday!