MAM
GroupM China launches mLab
MUMBAI: GroupM China launched digital experience centre mLab which will provide media agencies and clients augmented online-offline digital support.
The goal of mLab is to create an interactive setting that enables GroupM agencies and clients to understand and apply the latest digital technology, as well as to foster a more creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
mLab provides services like tech learning and experience, digital trend watching and innovative solution incubation.
In the sphere of tech learning and experience, the outfit has come up with a concept called ‘Digital Fridays‘ where every Friday mLab features digital training sessions that cover the latest trends in creative and interactive digital marketing, including technology development directions and real-time encounters to ensure participants from GroupM agencies and client brands understand both the technology and how it can be applied in marketing solutions.
mLab also conducts analysis on the latest tech trends and new media marketing development directions, and participates in domestic and global tech conferences and exhibitions with the aim to share the latest trends as they unfold with the group and clients. It also creates proprietary products and solutions based on new technology.
In 2013, mLab will begin incubating technologies that apply to client business and evolve them into GroupM proprietary products and solutions that drive GroupM leadership in digital marketing and innovation.
GroupM Interaction president Tony Chen said, “GroupM Interaction has always been at the forefront in adapting the latest technologies to meet client needs. MLab and the GroupM Interaction App will ‘digitalize‘ and ‘mobilize‘ GroupM and its clients, helping to close the gap between technology and application, and pushing the frontiers of digital in China.”
GroupM China CEO Bessie Lee said, “The ‘wave‘ of digital media is entirely transforming traditional media and marketing. As China‘s largest media investment company, GroupM China is constantly learning, experimenting, and moving in new directions. This initiative forms just a small part of our larger strategy to digitalize our offerings. GroupM China is focusing its talent, structure, and investment strategy to ensure continued leadership in the digital era.”
In addition to the launch of mLab, the beta version of the GroupM Interaction App was also launched. It is a self-developed mobile application running on iOS and Android platforms that delivers content and functionality to GroupM and its clients in key areas, including domestic and international industry news, digital reports, video case studies, a work-related database, Q&A, voting, and a calendar. The app will be powered by an expert team providing regular updates on the most pertinent information in the field, giving GroupM and its clients anytime/anywhere access to the latest news and marketing information in real-time.
Brands
33 per cent of women believe the salary scale is rigged: Naukri report
Voices @ Work study finds rising calls for equal pay audits and lingering bias
MUMBAI: Progress may be visible in India’s workplaces, but many women still feel the need to tread carefully. A new report by Naukri reveals that one in two women hesitate to disclose marriage or maternity plans during job interviews, worried that such information could influence hiring decisions.
The findings come from the second edition of Naukri’s annual Voices @ Work International Women’s Day report, titled “What Women Professionals Want.” Drawing insights from more than 50,000 women across over 50 industries, the survey sheds light on evolving workplace aspirations alongside the biases that continue to hold women back.
One of the report’s most striking insights is the growing demand for equal pay audits. The share of women calling for regular pay parity checks has climbed to 27 per cent this year, up from 19 per cent a year ago. The demand now stands alongside menstrual leave as the most sought after workplace policy.
Interestingly, the call for pay transparency grows louder higher up the income ladder. Nearly half of women earning between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore annually say equal pay audits are a priority, suggesting that pay gaps become more visible as women move up the career ladder.
At the same time, confidence and ambition appear to be rising. About 83 per cent of women say they feel encouraged to pursue leadership roles, a significant jump from 66 per cent last year. Cities in southern India appear particularly supportive, with Hyderabad leading the way as 86 per cent of respondents there reported encouragement to step into leadership positions. The education sector recorded the highest sense of encouragement at 87 per cent.
Yet the report also highlights a growing trust deficit around pay equity. Nearly one in three women, or 33 per cent, say they do not believe men and women are paid equally at their workplace. That figure has risen from 25 per cent last year, pointing to widening perceptions of disparity as careers progress.
Bias in hiring and promotions continues to be the biggest hurdle. About 42 per cent of respondents say workplace bias is the main challenge for women from diverse backgrounds. The concern is consistent across major metros, with Chennai and Delhi NCR reporting similar levels.
Reluctance to discuss personal milestones during hiring processes is also widespread. While 34 per cent overall said they hesitate to share marriage or maternity plans in interviews, the anxiety increases with experience. Among professionals with 10 to 15 years of work experience, the figure rises to 40 per cent.
Info Edge group CMO Sumeet Singh, said the data reflects both progress and unfinished work. “Behind every data point in this report is a woman who is ambitious. The fact that 83 per cent feel encouraged to lead is something to celebrate. However, the fact that one in two still hide their marriage or maternity plans in interviews tells us the work is far from done. As India’s leading career platform, it felt not just important but necessary for us to shine a light on these gaps through the second edition of our report,” he said.
The report suggests that while ambition among women professionals is growing, structural changes around pay transparency, fair hiring and supportive policies will be key if workplaces hope to keep pace.
