The SSON Community Celebrates Diwali

According to SSON Research and Analytics, India is the second-most popular country for shared services (SSO) locations. Data from the Shared Services & BPO Atlas shows that India has 1,641 delivery centers nationally. Of these 1,641 centers, 1,018 are captive/hybrid models and 623 are business process outsourcing (BPO) centers.  

Only the United States of America ranks above India, with 2,232 centers. To gain more insights on SSO and BPO centers, SSON Research and Analytics provides a range of data tools online.   

Of the more than 100,000 members of the Shared Service and Outsourcing Network, a significant proportion of these are, therefore, based in India. In recognition of this we are delighted to wish our friends and members in India a happy Diwali.  

Diwali 

Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, will take place this November. The festival is celebrated by a range of religions such as Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Due to Diwali being significant to multiple faiths, over one billion people celebrate it. For each of these faiths, the holiday marks varying historical events and beliefs. However, for most who celebrate, it is considered a celebration of good prevailing over evil.  

The diverse understandings of Diwali mean that it is celebrated differently in different areas of India. For example, in southern states, celebrations begin a day earlier than in the northern states. These states include Tamil Nadu, which has 198 shared service centers (SSCs). Karnataka, also in southern India, has 411 SSCs.  

On the other hand, Maharashtra is a northern state, with 373 SSCs. Typically, Marathi families begin Diwali with Vasu-baras, a celebration to worship cows, which are considered a mother in the Hindu religion.  

So, how is Diwali celebrated where your SSCs are located?  

India & Shared Services 

According to SSON’s The State of Indian Shared Services 2023 report, India’s shared services presence is one of the largest globally. In addition, the SSCs in the country provide more functions than any other country. This is no coincidence, as India boasts a very valuable talent pool. 

A recent research inside report by SSON Research & Analytics, The Future Location Report: The Next Big Shuffle, spotlights India as one of the most advantageous countries to operate shared services in. India ranked first for cost-effectiveness, workforce availability, skills availability and productivity.  

India remains a useful location for SSCs, both captive and BPO, particularly in the tech industry. Research shows that approximately 30%-40% of layoffs for tech-related roles will potentially be outsourced to India. This is due to a variety of factors such as the growing tech workforce of the country and lower labour costs. In addition, India remains a frontrunner in innovative technologies, which is essential to navigating the everchanging digital landscape of shared services.  

Moreover, the industry is continuing to grow, with predictions of 2400 Indian GCC’s by 2030. Overall, establishing either a captive center or a BPO in India allows organizations to benefit from lower operational costs, low attrition, and an abundance of talent. 

If you are interested in learning more about the shared services industry within India, SSON are delighted to once again be hosting the Shared Services & GCC Week India in Bangalore, in April 2024. After the success of the 2023 edition, there is a clear demand for India-based industry insights. The event will discuss how the industry is rapidly growing despite the pandemic, recession, and political unrest. From case studies to a range of industry speakers providing expertise, the event will provide invaluable insights to shared services leaders.  

Happy Diwali!