Ujjivan - Providing Financial Services to the Poor

Annual Retreat: Distribution team (South)
Peenya wins Best Branch Award

Ujjivan held its annual distribution team retreat for the South Region on the 23rd & 24th of July at the Ramee Guest Line Resort, Bangalore. More than 190 field staffs from three Southern states – Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka – were present. The event was both a celebration of the achievements of the past year and a platform to brainstorm for the year ahead.

The event kicked off with a welcome address from Ms. Carol Furtado, COO (South). She drove the discussion on the company’s performance last year in the South region and outlined the roadmap for the future. The South business plan for the year focuses on managing mature branches and the company’s expansion into virgin microfinance territory. The field teams were applauded for their efforts in building a robust business and Carol expressed confidence that the teams would carry forward the performance in the coming year.

South region Business snapshot (as of 31st March, 2010)
	In FY 2009-10	Since inception
New customers added	131,264	286,942
Loans Disbursed in Rs. Million	2,527	4,342

After a sumptuous lunch, the session converged for a session on HR. The results of an employee satisfaction survey conducted amongst middle-managers in the organization were discussed. The discussion brought to light fresh perspectives with participants voicing their expectation on different facets of a workplace. To gauge sentiment across all levels of the

Distribution team, an employee satisfaction survey was also conducted among the branch managers.

The evening was witness to the hugely awaited ‘Best Branch Award’ function. This is the first edition of the award and will be given annually to the best performing branch, based on the risk profile rating parameters which will be measured throughout the year. The Peenya Branch was the first recipient of this award – a rolling trophy, from CEO, Mr. Samit Ghosh. Receiving the award, Murali Mohan, CRM (Branch Manager), Peenya said, “This is a momentous occasion for me and my team. I am delighted that Ujjivan recognizes the efforts put in by the staff”.

Peenya Branch Staff:
CRM                : Murali Mohan
Cashier          : Mala
Senior CRSs : Manjula M, Radha KC,
CRSs              : Pushpavathi H, Sophia Lawrence, Pushpa Jyothi M, Umme Salma, SunilKumari D, Byregowda H

The award ceremony included Area Managers sharing interesting snippets and anecdotes of their experiences on the field - mainly on outstanding customer service, challenges faced and overcome, and instances of lighter moments at the customers / staff events. This marked the close of the business sessions and the gathering dispersed to enjoy the rest of the evening at the resort.

Day Two (24th July) was all about celebrating the spirit of team work. Thanks to Ujjivan’s ‘Fun Committee’ led by Susan Priti – Head Service Quality, a host of events were lined up for the day ranging from an obstacle course to the inimitable tug-of-war. The fun activities helped in catalysing employee bonding and teamwork. Later in the day participants let their hair down and indulged in games ranging from water-polo to snooker.

After two days of introspection, brainstorming and fun, the retreat concluded with the presentation of mementos to all participants. The teams heading home reenergized and are ready to take up new challenges.