"A Journey of Two Decades: My Heartfelt Experience at HGS"

PRIYA FERNANDES
Manager - Payroll Operations

A Journey of Two Decades: My Heartfelt Experience at HGS

Twenty years ago, I walked into HGS with a heart full of dreams and a mind eager to learn. Little did I know, I was stepping into not just a company, but a place that would become my second home. HGS is more than an organization to me—it is an emotion, a family, a defining part of my life. It is a place where I have grown, stumbled, risen, and evolved into the person I am today.

From the very first day, I was embraced by a culture built on strong values, unwavering support, and an incredible sense of belonging. It’s not just about the work; it’s about the people, the bonds, and the shared journey. This company has been my mentor, my guide, and my constant through every phase of my life.

The Biggest Change I Have Witnessed

Change is inevitable, and I have seen HGS transform in ways I never imagined. I still remember the early days, when we operated from a small flat—where every corner held a story, every desk had a dream. Today, we stand tall, operating from multiple locations with world-class infrastructure. But beyond the physical transformation, what truly stands out is how the heart of HGS remains unchanged—its people, its spirit, its unwavering commitment to excellence and care.

Best Moments at Work

Every single day at HGS brings a special moment. It’s in the little things—the shared laughter over a cup of coffee, the encouragement from a colleague on a tough day, the pride of achieving something as a team. Some of my best moments have been when I could make a difference, even in the smallest way—whether it was guiding a teammate, offering a word of comfort, or simply bringing a smile to someone’s face. More recently, my best moment has been realizing my own growth—the ability to accept criticism, learn from it, and come back stronger.

If I Could Change Anything...

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. HGS is perfect in its own evolving way. My seniors, my colleagues, the support staff—every person here has played a role in shaping my journey. And the best part? HGS never stops growing, improving, and adapting. It’s a place that keeps getting better while holding on to its roots.

Advice to Newcomers

If you are just beginning your career at HGS, know this—you are in the right place. Here, you will find mentors who genuinely want to see you succeed, colleagues who will support you, and an environment that fosters learning and growth. But growth takes time. Give yourself the opportunity to truly learn, stay for at least 3 to 5 years, and immerse yourself in the experience. Be patient, be curious, and embrace every challenge as a stepping stone to excellence.

What Makes HGS a Great Place to Work?

It’s the people. The warmth, the support, the encouragement—it all starts from the top and flows through every level. I have a deeply personal story that reflects this. Years ago, when my daughter Leah was just five, she would cry every time I left for work. As a mother, my heart ached, and one day, I decided to quit. When I shared this with Mr. Harish Chopra, I expected understanding, but what I received was something even more profound. He said, "Today, she needs you, but tomorrow, she will have her own life, and you will need yours. Let’s find a way to make it work." And just like that, he offered me flexible working hours, allowing me to be there for my daughter while continuing my career. That was years ago, and even today, HGS stands strong in supporting work-life balance, especially for women. I take immense pride in knowing that more than 50% of our workforce today are women—each one thriving in their careers because of the opportunities and support we receive here.

Valuable Relationships

After spending countless hours together, we are more than just colleagues—we are family. Some friendships I have built here are so deep and strong that they go beyond the walls of this office. We celebrate each other’s victories, stand by each other in tough times, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Looking back at my 20-year journey, my heart swells with gratitude. HGS has given me more than just a career—it has given me purpose, friendships, and an irreplaceable sense of belonging. And as I continue this journey, I know that no matter what, HGS will always be my home, and its people, my family.

Here’s to HGS—my heart, my journey, my forever home.