Working Alongside Danger And Death

Working in Srinagar, where the extreme climate and terrorist activities
are a constant reminder of the danger around the corner, makes it difficult to
hold on to good manpower

Channel partners all over the country have become adept at handling larger
value of big business that has resulted in a systematic expansion of their
manpower. Partners now put considerable efforts in to taking care of their
employees and providing them with all facilities.

Partners in Srinagar are especially considerate about their manpower and look
after their basic necessities. However, the kind of situation and environment
that our people face in this region is very different and harsh as compared to
other regions. With the kind of environment that is often engulfed with
terrorist activities, at times it becomes a matter of life and death, and in
that case we cannot help much but pray for the best.

We provide services to army camps and stations in regions like Leh, Ladakh,
Kargil and Kupwara, that are known worldwide for their critical environment. Our
engineers go to these places for installation or for other IT services required
by army men where they face various problems.

Transportation roadblocks

The biggest problem our people face while working in a city like Srinagar is
that of transportation. There are no smooth facilities for commuting and it
takes an entire day to reach the bordering regions and another day to return. So
two days are simply wasted on traveling. Therefore, it takes them two to three
days to provide services at these points.

Adil Mir

Another problem that our employees face is that of staying overnight at
client locations. They have to manage these arrangements themselves, which is
another big task for them. They either stay at somebody's house or get
accommodation at army camps. Though the army takes care of all the requirements,
but our people fear midnight attacks from terrorists. At times, the weather is
unfavorable and it is difficult for our men to stay there for a longer time. The
bitter weather act as a big obstacle in installation and other services. And in
such a situation, they are neither able to do their job nor can return to the
office.

Few takers for the job

Frankly speaking, who would like to go to such places at the cost of their
lives? Our men have seen all kind of situation and are used to it. They have
been facing these odd conditions for a long time and they know that there is no
way out. Therefore, they have to acclimatize as per the situations.

Whatever may be the situation, they are not deterred by it and have the
courage to continue their livelihood. Some of my employees have worked with me
for as long as 10-years and this shows that they are willing to work in all kind
of atmosphere. Till date, not one of my engineers have said no for going to the
border for any kind of service. The reason behind this is the constant
motivation we provide them.

Reactions of their family

Our engineers spend go for at least 15-days in a month at these war
locations. Their family members are worried whenever they go to these sites. It
becomes more intense because sometimes our engineers are not able to return on
the fixed day or they are unable to communicate with their family members. This
makes their relatives very anxious and they keep enquiring about their
whereabouts.

Employees should be given enough opportunities to discuss their problems with
the office members. Employers should also develop a relation with their family
members so that they feel free to put forward their point about anything.
Employers must also listen to them with due respect and offer solution role
vendors play when needed.

In regions like Srinagar, vendors can play a key role in making our business
better and smooth. Their little consideration can help a lot in building trust
and long lasting business relationships.

Earlier I was a retailer as well as service provider for brands like LG,
Wipro and Acer. Later on, with the decline of service from LG and Wipro, I
withdrew doing business from these vendors and now I am dealing only with Acer.

We have to give various kinds of facilities to our men and that largely
depends on the margins of the products. If vendors provide ample support to the
partners in such regions, it makes life easier for us. Our engineers often talk
to Acer directly when they are on the site and get support from them. Acer also
conducts video conferencing with my engineers and discusses all the matters at
length.

Keep spirits high

It is very important that employees are encouraged and cheered for
successful execution of their tasks. Employers need to take care of all their
requirements and at times even of their family members when they are out on
duty. This gives a sense of contentment and happiness to the engineers and they
are recharged with positive energy to do their job.

The author is CEO of Computer Embassy, Srinagar