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Kognoz and Giift partner to pioneer the future of work with IMMERSE
Mumbai: Kognoz, a technology-driven people consulting company, has announced a strategic partnership with Giift, a global leader in loyalty and rewards technology. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the realm of workplace dynamics, introducing a revolutionary platform named “IMMERSE” designed to address the challenges posed by the hybrid model of work.
IMMERSE is a cutting-edge employee engagement approach that prioritizes self-determination and fosters an environment of immersion – specifically, immersion in purpose and well-being. In an era where remote and hybrid work models have become the norm, it aims to redefine the employee experience by providing a unique and tailored solution for immersive engagement.
The partnership between Kognoz and Giift aims to leverage their respective strengths to create a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking to overcome the challenges of employee engagement in the evolving landscape of work. With the hybrid model presenting unprecedented hurdles in fostering a connected and engaged workforce, IMMERSE emerges as the solution to bridge the gap.
Kognoz, known for its technology-driven people consulting expertise, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. The company’s innovative approach to human capital development aligns seamlessly with Giift leadership in employee engagement solutions. Together, they aim to create a holistic platform that addresses the dynamic needs of modern workplaces.
Talking about the partnership, Kognoz co-founder and director Lokesh Nigam said, “We are thrilled to partner with Giift on this groundbreaking initiative “IMMERSE is not just a platform; it’s a paradigm shift in how we perceive and approach employee engagement. In collaboration with Giift, we are excited to bring forth a solution that goes beyond the conventional, offering an immersive experience that caters to the unique needs of the hybrid workforce”.
Giift, recognised for its loyalty management solutions around the globe, adds its extensive insights and technology prowess to the partnership. The collaboration envisions empowering organizations to build a culture of sustained engagement, promoting employee well-being, and enhancing overall productivity.
Giift co-founder, CPO & CMO Manoj Agarwal said “We are looking forward to this strategic partnership with Kognoz as IMMERSE aligns perfectly with our mission to create meaningful and memorable experiences for employees, regardless of their work location. Together, we aim to redefine the employee engagement landscape and set new benchmarks in fostering a connected and motivated workforce”.
The partnership between Kognoz and Giift is poised to usher in a new era of employee engagement, providing organizations with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in the hybrid work environment. Immerse is set to be a game-changer, offering a unique blend of technology, human-centric design, and a forward-thinking approach to employee well-being.
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With 57 per cent single new users, Ashley Madison rebrands as discreet dating platform
Platform says majority of new members now identify as single
INDIA: Ashley Madison is shedding the “married-dating” label that defined it for two decades, repositioning itself as a platform for discreet dating in what it calls the post-social media age.
The rebrand, unveiled in India on 27 February, 2026, marks a structural shift in business model and identity. Once synonymous with married dating, the company now describes itself as the “premier destination for discreet dating” under a new tagline: Where Desire Meets Discretion.
The pivot is data-driven. Internal figures show that 57 per cent of global sign-ups between 1 January and 31 December, 2025 identified as single: a notable departure from the platform’s married core. The company argues that its community has already evolved beyond its original positioning.
“In an age where our lives have been constantly put on public display, privacy has become the new luxury,” said Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable. He framed the platform’s offering as “ethical discretion” for singles, separated, divorced and non-monogamous users seeking private connections.
The shift also taps into wider digital fatigue. A global survey conducted by YouGov for Ashley Madison, covering 13,071 adults across Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the UK and the US, found mounting discomfort with hyper-public online lives.
Among dating app users, 30 per cent cited constant swiping and messaging as a source of fatigue, while 24 per cent pointed to pressure to curate public-facing profiles and early personal disclosure. Some 27 per cent said fears of screenshots or information being shared contributed to exhaustion; an equal share cited unwanted attention.
The retreat from oversharing appears broader. According to the survey, 46 per cent of adults actively try to keep most aspects of their life private online. Only 8 per cent feel comfortable sharing most aspects publicly, while 35 per cent say they are becoming more selective about what they disclose.
Ashley Madison is betting that this cultural recalibration towards controlled visibility can be monetised. By doubling down on privacy infrastructure and reframing itself around discretion rather than infidelity, the company is attempting to convert reputational baggage into a premium proposition.
