Working in New Delhi

Delhi of ancient times was the political and financial centre of India. And this remains true of the New Delhi of this era. India's thriving capital remains the centre of trade in the country and with its promising array of opportunities its no wonder why this city has become one of the premiere expat destination in Asia. 

New Delhi now houses important offices of the federal government, including the Parliament of India. But more than being the country's seat of power, New Delhi is fast becoming a pivoting landmark of India's economic rise. It has an estimated net of ₹5.59 lakh crore or USD 83 billion (2016-early 2017) of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). India's capital has a total workforce of about 620,000 people which is around 32.82% of the city's estimated total of population of 18.6 million. 

Delhi’s Gigantic Industries 

The service sector is the biggest contributor to the Delhi economy, accounting for a significant 70.95% of the city's domestic product. The city's secondary sector, comprised mostly of the manufacturing industry, contributes about 25.2%. Other top industries include mining, agriculture, and fishing chip which account for about 3.85% of the city's SDP (State Domestic Product). The key movers in the services industry are: 

• Information Technology
• Telecommunications
• Hotels
• Tourism
• Media
• Banking 

These fields rack up big investments due to Delhi's massive consumer demand, and the easy availability of cheap skilled labour. Developments in the manufacturing industry have also helped improve the city's unemployment rate. Consumer goods industries have seen the establishment of factories and headquarters in the city's vicinity. New Delhi’s manufacturing sector has employed about 1,440,000 workers.  

Other important industries in New Delhi include the areas of construction, power as well as community and health services. And because of the influx of expatriates in the city, the real estate sector is also an area abundant with employment opportunities. 

Average Salary and Work Hours 

The minimum daily wage in Delhi is 111.30 Rs or 2.51 USD and as of early 2017, the average monthly disposable salary (after tax) is Rs 180,026.72 or USD 633.82. Most of the time, foreign nationals that are sent to Delhi by a foreign company receive a Western level salary or roughly three times higher than their local counterparts. There should also receive all the benefits that are available to employees in United States and in Europe. 

Generally speaking, employees in India normally work eight hours per day. Most companies in New Delhi also implement a work schedule of between 10 am and 6 pm from Mondays to Fridays. Indians are hard workers and overtime is common but expats must be cautious as there are some local employers who do not compensate their workers for the extra hours. With the arrival of call centres or BPO's, working hours may vary, and night time shifts are no longer uncommon. 

New Delhi’s Business Culture 

Despite the modernity of New Delhi's business world, keep in mind that in India religion is still a way of life even in the workplace. 

Though you are not required nor obligated to adhere to their beliefs as a foreign national, always make sure to give utmost respect to tradition. Dress appropriately in the workplace, and do not bare too much skin. A jacket or blazer for women and a coat for men is a must in offices. 

Punctuality is appreciated, though not expected from both you and your Indian colleagues. Schedule changes may happen every now and then, so your best bet would be to confirm any appointment through a phone call or email at least a month or two weeks before the agreed date.  

Though Western business practices are also observed, the Indian belief in fatalism and that everything happens for a reason cannot be helped, thus decision making can be a lengthy process.