Bridging Borders: Aligning UK & Indian HR Policies for a Successful Market Entry
Client Background
Our client, a leading UK-based IT Oracle solution provider, embarked on an ambitious expansion by establishing a new branch in Pune, India. As part of their market entry strategy, they required comprehensive HR support to ensure compliance with Indian labor laws while maintaining alignment with their existing UK policies.
To facilitate a seamless transition, they partnered with SAN HR Advisors in November 2024 to establish a robust HR framework tailored to Indian regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
Project Scope & Deliverables
Phase 1 of the engagement focused on establishing a standardized HR foundation within a stringent completion timeline of 30 days. The key deliverables included:
1. HR Policy Standardization
- Conducted an in-depth analysis of the client’s existing UK HR policies.
- Identified areas of divergence between UK policies and Indian labor laws.
- Developed and implemented a customized HR policy framework that ensured legal compliance, standardization, and operational consistency across both regions.
2. Compensation Structuring
- Designed a competitive and tax-efficient compensation structure in line with Indian market standards.
- Ensured alignment with industry benchmarks and statutory compliances (EPF, ESI, Gratuity, etc.).
- Integrated UK-defined salary components where feasible while optimizing for Indian payroll and tax norms.
3. Onboarding & Induction Process
- Developed a structured onboarding framework to enhance new hire experience and integration.
- Created an engaging and interactive induction presentation tailored to Indian operations.
- Established a standardized new hire documentation and compliance checklist.
4. Process Standardization & Employee Handbook
- Implemented a formalized hiring process aligned with business objectives and industry best practices.
- Designed a comprehensive employee handbook covering key HR policies, employee benefits, code of conduct, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
- Developed standardized processes for payroll management, leave policies, and performance appraisal.
5. HRMS Alignment
- Reviewed and aligned HR policies and processes with the client’s existing HRMS platform.
- Ensured seamless integration of payroll, compliance, employee records, and analytics for accurate data tracking and reporting.
Challenges & Strategic Solutions
1. Tight Implementation Timeline
Adopted an agile HR project management approach to complete deliverables within 30 days. Conducted parallel workstreams for policy drafting, approvals, and system integration.
2. Regulatory Compliance & Global Policy Alignment
Ensured compliance with Indian labor laws (Shops & Establishment Act, EPF Act, Payment of Wages Act, etc.) while maintaining key UK policy principles. Developed a hybrid policy framework balancing global consistency with local statutory obligations.
3. Simplification & User-Friendly Documentation
Drafted HR policies and manuals using clear, structured, and professional language with industry-standard HR terminologies. Created a comprehensive yet easy-to-navigate policy document for seamless employee adoption.
Conclusion
Through strategic HR advisory and meticulous execution, SAN HR Advisors successfully delivered a tailored HR framework within the stipulated timeline. The engagement not only facilitated a compliant and structured HR setup for the client’s India operations but also ensured smooth integration with their global policies.
As the client progresses into Phase 2, we continue to support their evolving HR needs, focusing on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and long-term HR operational excellence.
