Deloitte’s India GCC Culture Sensing Report 2025 shows Indian Global Capability Centres scoring a strong 82/100 on culture, driven by empowerment, inclusion and ethics. However, gaps in agility, innovation and fair performance practices threaten to slow their global competitiveness.
India’s Global Capability Centres (GCCs) continue to strengthen their position as people-first workplaces, according to Deloitte’s India GCC Culture Sensing Report 2025. The study, based on insights from 100 GCCs across Fortune 500 companies, reveals a robust Culture Index of 82/100, led by empowerment (89), ethics (85) and growth (84).
Inclusion and Ethics Drive Strengths
Nearly 95% of GCCs score high in empowerment and inclusion, showcasing transparent policies, diversity initiatives and strong corporate social responsibility. Financial services stand out, with 81% of GCCs offering strong learning pathways. Wellness programs, flexible work policies and collaborative leadership are also boosting resilience and engagement.
Challenges in Performance and Agility
Despite the positives, performance and results scored just 76, weighed down by promotion biases, pay disparities and leadership gaps. Agility and innovation scored lowest at 74, with only 23% of organisations showing strong adaptability. Bureaucracy, resistance to change and limited investment in advanced tools remain major roadblocks.
Industry Insights
- Technology, Media & Communication: High consistency, scoring 83 overall, but creativity suffers from micromanagement.
- Life Sciences & Healthcare: Strong inclusion (90) and ethics (88) but limited innovation opportunities.
- Financial Services: Competitive pay and leadership strength, though work-life balance is a concern.
- Consumer: Scores highest in inclusion (88) but struggles with bureaucratic processes.
- Energy & Industrials: Focus on ethics (87) and growth (83), yet innovation lags at 70.
Future Outlook
Deloitte projects India could host up to 5,000 GCCs, creating millions of jobs beyond the current 1,700 centres employing 1.9 million professionals. Sustaining this growth will require standardised wages, gender parity and stronger innovation culture.
Saurabh Dwivedi, Partner at Deloitte India, summed it up: “Inclusion and ethics are strengths, but agility and innovation are the next frontier for India’s GCCs to remain globally competitive.”