Emotional Wellbeing

Riding the Wave of Inflation: A Guide to Investments

November 11, 2022
Usha Mallya
Riding the Wave of Inflation: A Guide to Investments

Inflation is a long-term pattern of rising prices across the economy yearly. Inflation rates indicate the rate of erosion of the value of an investment over time as well as the loss of purchasing power. Investing in assets requires a return on investment consistent with their living standard. 

To overcome the effects of inflation on your investment, you must have financial planning and knowledge. Here are a few things you should know. 

Inflation: What Causes It?

Inflation occurs when the demand for an item or service exceeds the supply of that good or service. This is referred to as demand-pull inflation, and it causes price increases. 

Inflation is also caused by a rise in the cost of producing products and services. As the cost of manufacturing an item rises, manufacturers raise the selling price in order to achieve or maintain a specified profit. This is referred to as cost-pull inflation.

Here's a chart demonstrating how a lakh's value decreases over time to help you comprehend this better.

‍Inflation: What Causes It?

Financial vs Physical Investment

Physical assets can be felt, seen, touched, or held, such as real estate, precious metals, jewellery, plant and machinery, vehicles, tools, etc. These assets must be maintained, repaired, and upgraded, which can lead to expenses.

An intangible asset, such as shares, bonds, deposits in banks, accounts receivables, goodwill, copyrights, patents, etc., cannot be seen or touched, except for the records proving ownership of the asset, for example, shares, bonds, deposits in banks. The value of financial support does not depreciate or diminish with time. Nevertheless, depending on market conditions, the value of a financial asset can appreciate or depreciate.

Asset Classes and Inflation

The value of liquid assets tends to rise less over time than the value of other types of assets since inflation affects them similarly. Because of this, liquid assets are more susceptible to inflation's effects. The larger economy tends to retain fewer liquid assets when inflation rates are high.

Although illiquid assets can generate interest and grow in value, inflation also affects them. Investing in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds is one of the best ways to protect savings against inflation. In times of high inflation, people often spend their liquid assets on consumer goods or invest them in interest-paying assets.

Systematic Investment in Equity Mutual Funds

Mutual Funds offer a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), a means of investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, say once a month or once a quarter, instead of making a lump-sum investment. Instalments could be as low as INR 500 per month and are similar to recurring deposits. Moreover, it is convenient since your bank can give you standing instructions to deduct the monthly amount.  

Here are some examples of the power of compounding

‍Systematic Investment in Equity Mutual Funds

Three Golden Rules of Investment

Start Early

It is recommended that you start early in order to gain greater financial wellbeing and to maximise your returns on investment. If you allow your investment portfolio to generate returns over time, your returns will essentially create more returns. In technical terms, this is called compounding, proving that even small investments can accumulate into large sums over time.

Invest Regularly

Regularly investing rather than attempting to time a lump sum investment can help you become a more disciplined investor. Ultimately, you must invest no matter how high or low the price is. As a result, investing becomes less emotional, and you can put your money to work more quickly.

Invest for Long Term

The relationship between volatility and time is an advantage of long-term investing. The volatility of investments held for a more extended period tends to be lower than the volatility of assets held for a shorter period. The longer you invest, the more likely you will survive market downturns.

Investments with their risk vs return potential

Three Golden Rules of Investment

Conclusion

If the returns on an investor's assets are less than the rate of inflation, even if they show profits, they will lose money. Additionally, individuals should ensure that their income increases at least as much as inflation; otherwise, they are technically earning less than they would otherwise and losing financial stability.

Workplace Adaptability

Pivot Like a Pro: How High is Your Business's AQ?

January 5, 2024
Mohit Sahni
Pivot Like a Pro: How High is Your Business's AQ?

In today’s fast-paced world, adaptability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a survival trait. The concept of an "Adaptability Quotient" (AQ) has gained traction, representing an organization's ability to adjust to changing environments. Unlike the fixed metrics of IQ or EQ, AQ is fluid, evolving with your business. It's about how quickly and effectively your company can pivot in response to new challenges, technologies, and market dynamics.

Forbes highlights that companies with high AQ are more likely to thrive in today’s volatile market. They’re the ones who see change not as a hurdle, but as an opportunity.

Assessing Your Company's AQ

So, how do you measure something as dynamic as adaptability? It starts with a self-assessment. Evaluate how your organization has handled past changes. Were transitions smooth, or did they meet resistance? Did your team demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity?

A Harvard Business Review study suggests considering factors like decision-making speed, innovation frequency, and the ability to abandon old norms. These are the hallmarks of an adaptable enterprise.

Cultivating a Culture of Adaptability

Adaptability starts with culture. It’s about fostering a mindset where change is expected and embraced. This requires leadership to lead by example, encouraging experimentation and learning from failures.

Google’s Project Aristotle revealed that psychological safety plays a critical role in team effectiveness. In an adaptable organization, employees feel safe to voice their opinions, take calculated risks, and contribute new ideas without fear of failure or ridicule.

Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Adaptability

In the realm of adaptability, technology is your ally. The right tech stack can streamline processes, provide valuable data insights, and enable swift responses to market changes. A report by Deloitte emphasizes the importance of digital transformation in increasing AQ.

However, it's not just about having technology; it's about how it's used. Training and upskilling employees to leverage these tools effectively is crucial.

The Engine of Adaptability

Finally, adaptability is fueled by continuous learning. An organization with a high AQ is always learning - from market trends, from competitors, from its own successes and failures.

Investing in employee education and staying abreast of industry developments are key. As per a LinkedIn Learning report, companies that champion learning are more agile and better equipped to adapt to unforeseen challenges.

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion for Greater Adaptability

A diverse and inclusive workforce is a cornerstone of adaptability. Diversity brings a plethora of perspectives, ideas, and problem-solving approaches. An inclusive environment ensures that these diverse voices are heard and valued.

Research by Boston Consulting Group found that companies with more diverse management teams have 19% higher revenues due to innovation. This indicates that diversity is not just good for company culture, but it's also beneficial for business.

Encouraging diversity in your workforce means more than just hiring practices. It's about creating an environment where all employees feel they can contribute their best work. This involves regular training, open communication channels, and policies that support diversity at all levels.

Building an Agile Infrastructure

An organization's infrastructure can significantly impact its adaptability. This includes not just physical infrastructure but also organizational structures and processes. An agile infrastructure is designed to support quick shifts and rapid decision-making.

This might mean adopting flatter organizational structures that facilitate faster communication and decision-making. It could also involve investing in cloud-based systems and tools that allow employees to work flexibly and collaboratively from anywhere.

Moreover, agile infrastructure is about having the ability to scale up or down quickly in response to market demands. This flexibility ensures that your organization can adapt to various scenarios, whether it's a sudden increase in demand or a need to cut costs during slower periods.

Incorporating these additional sections into your article will provide a more comprehensive view of the different facets that contribute to an enterprise's Adaptability Quotient.

The adaptability of your organization is an important indicator of its future success. By assessing your current adaptability, nurturing a culture of openness to change, utilizing technology wisely, and committing to continuous learning, you can enhance your organization's adaptability. In doing so, you position your enterprise not just to survive but to thrive in the ever-changing business landscape.

Corporate Kitchen Makeover

A Fresh Start: Reimagining Corporate Kitchens with Power8

July 2, 2023
Mohit Sahni
A Fresh Start: Reimagining Corporate Kitchens with Power8

As a co-founder of Power8, I've observed a significant, yet often overlooked, area that affects the health and wellness of employees: the corporate canteen. It's a truth universally acknowledged that good nutrition is a cornerstone of good health. 

Still, what happens when your work, an environment where many of us spend the majority of our time, doesn't support this critical aspect of wellness? That's where Power8’s Corporate Kitchen Makeover comes into play.

Ensuring a Healthy Foundation

Embarking on the journey of creating a healthier corporate kitchen, we commence with an in-depth, meticulous audit. This process isn't just a cursory glance over the pantry or a review of the vending machines. It's an extensive inspection that aligns with Schedule 4 of the FSSA, 2006, aiming to certify that the food served to your diligent employees is wholesome, safely prepared, and hygienically stored.

We do not take this responsibility lightly; we're fully aware of the trust you put in us. This process ensures we are meeting the required health and safety regulations, but more importantly, it is about acknowledging and addressing the crucial role nutrition plays in overall wellness, productivity, and mental agility in the workplace.

"Creating a productive and healthy workforce demands a systemic and sustained approach. It starts in the kitchen."

Setting the Path

Having established a solid foundation through the audit, the next stage in the Kitchen Makeover involves a two-day on-site visit by our dedicated team of experts. These specialists bring a wealth of experience in assessing kitchen layouts, raw material storage areas, food handling and preparation techniques, hygiene, and sanitation practices, and food transportation. Their knowledge and expertise in food safety standards and protocols are pivotal in this phase of the makeover.

Their role isn't limited to merely identifying areas of concern but extends to providing immediate actionable solutions to improve these aspects. By the end of this phase, we ensure the canteen, a vital place in the company, is a hub for wellness and positivity, while still complying with FSSAI guidelines and SOPs.

Investing in Skills

To sustain the changes implemented, we organize a two-day training workshop for food handlers and kitchen staff. We focus on imparting knowledge about the best hygiene and sanitation practices, assessing the quality of raw materials, and preventing food spoilage. Training also involves teaching ways to avoid cross-contamination - a major issue in large kitchens - and how to follow FSSAI guidelines and SOPs.

This training isn't a mere seminar or lecture but a hands-on, practical session. We believe that true learning comes from doing, and so, our training workshops are interactive and engaging, designed to instill best practices and provide a deeper understanding of why they are necessary.

Healthy Menu Planning

With hygiene and safety standards well implemented, the next phase involves the actual food being served - we start the process of healthy menu planning. We collaborate with your chefs, taking into consideration the current menu, the preferences of the employees, and the kitchen capabilities. Our aim is to subtly reduce daily calorie intake, without compromising on the taste or satisfaction of the meals.

We've learned that the secret to a successful health-focused menu is in striking a balance. It’s not about eliminating favorite foods or making drastic changes; it’s about small, sustainable shifts toward healthier choices. For instance, introducing whole grains in place of refined ones, increasing the portion of fresh fruits and vegetables, or using healthier cooking methods.

"The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison." - Ann Wigmore

Weight Loss Challenge

To motivate employees to embrace these healthier food options, we facilitate a 5-week weight loss challenge, tracked through our app - PlanMyFood. This isn't just a competition to lose weight, but a holistic challenge that encourages employees to make smarter, healthier food choices, despite the busyness of their work schedules. This interactive challenge also brings an element of fun and engagement to the workplace, fostering a sense of community and shared goals.

Encouragement and motivation are critical when making lifestyle changes, and our weight loss challenge provides this in spades. Weekly check-ins, healthy recipes, progress tracking, and support from fellow participants make this a positive and motivating experience. The aim is to inspire long-term changes, transforming not just the corporate kitchen but the health and wellness attitudes of the employees.

Re-adjusting Daily Calorie Intake

Adjusting the daily calorie intake in the kitchen menu is the final touch in our Corporate Kitchen Makeover. The objective here is not just weight loss, but optimal health and vitality. By taking into account factors such as portion sizes, food groups, and timing of meals, we strategically redesign the menu to ensure that it's well-rounded and balanced.

This is where our expertise truly shines. Our knowledge of nutritional science allows us to develop menus that cater to diverse dietary needs and preferences. For instance, if your team contains a mix of vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters, we can design a menu that everyone will enjoy. In this phase, we also consider factors like dietary restrictions, food allergies, and specific nutritional requirements of your workforce.

Closing Thoughts

The Power8 Corporate Kitchen Makeover is more than a revamp of your canteen; it's an investment in the health, productivity, and well-being of your employees. By optimizing the heart of your workplace – the kitchen – we create an environment that not only feeds the stomachs but also nourishes the health and well-being of your workforce. 

With improved diet and nutrition, you'll notice a boost in morale, productivity, and overall workplace satisfaction, proving that when you invest in your employees' health, the returns are manifold. Remember, a healthier workplace is a happier workplace!

Join the Wellness Tribe

Join The Tribe

This month we are focusing on food and how it affects your mental health. Join us as we bring in the most relevant interesting content from across the wellness segment.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.