Reality shows, now captivating television audiences across India, are starting to catch on in the IT industry.

Satyam Computer Services reckons activities like talent-hunt reality shows help to retain skilled workers and enhance employee productivity. The company has even hired Pradeep Kondiparthi, a one-time actor and TV producer to conceptualise and head talent shows and other off-track activities for the company. The main objective of this HR inititative is to provide its employees a platform where they can showcase their talents, have some fun and enhance their confidence.

The initiative, titled fun@work, has already organised shows like Satyam Idol, Footloose and Satyam Laughter Challenge. Winners are selected by popular vote, giving non-contestants a change to participate and feel important. The winners are rewarded with cash prizes and a trip abroad. The company spends a whopping Rs 30 million every year on such activities, but considers it a good investment.

Satyam employee Manish says he loved his experience of fun@work. “I have not participated, but attended fun@work last year. It has a feel-good factor attached with it,” says Manish. 'It is exactly like reality TV shows, the voting system, auditions, elimination, just everything.” Do the participants have a feeling of competition? 'No, no, it does not have any such thing as of now, but yes one can see the presence of team bonding.'

The company is now planning to hold the event twice a year, and a special division has been formed from in-house staff to manage it. X