Bengal’s work culture has changed over time due to the region’s history and its ever-changing society. From the colonial work culture of the British period and the 1980s slow industrialization to the recent IT boom, work culture in Bengal has always been a blend of tradition and modernity.
What’s more, Bengal’s work culture is all about having a good work-life balance, and the people of Bengal are believers in culture and traditions and love to preserve them. So, let’s learn all about the changes that have occurred over the years in the work culture in Bengal, and how it is nowadays.
Table Of Contents
The Current Work Culture In Bengal: Balanced, Informal And Cultural
In cities like Kolkata, Durgapur, Howrah, Haldi, and Asansol, working people understand the need to spend quality time with their families and on cultural activities. The IT companies, educational institutions, and media and publishing industries in these cities help in innovation while at the same time promoting traditional values.
They are time-bound and dedicated to meeting deadlines but their pace of work is more relaxed compared with other metro cities. Times like festival seasons, particularly Durga Puja, have a very significant impact on the work culture. In such events, the workplaces are usually characterized by low productivity since many people are likely to spend a lot of time preparing for the occasion or event, and/or taking part in celebrations.
Transformation Of Bengal’s Work Culture: From Past To Present
1. The Historical Context: The Work Culture Of Colonial Bengal
The work culture of West Bengal has its roots in the British period. The work culture of this period was influenced by the British administrative culture of discipline, time-keeping, and bureaucracy. Furthermore, government jobs were considered very attractive as they offered job security, fixed remuneration, and social status.
2. The Post-Independence Era: Industrialization And Government Jobs
After independence, there were efforts to industrialize the country, and industries like jute, textile, and engineering became prominent employers. However, the trend of government jobs continued, as many Bengalis considered them as the best career option. The state government’s policies enacted in the 1980s and 1990s, which aimed at job security over productivity, also contributed to this culture. This preference for government jobs and a stagnant industrial sector led to a work culture that was often criticized for its lack of dynamism and innovation.
3. The 1970s And 1980s: The Era Of Strikes And Labor Unrest
The 1970s and the 1980s were marked by labor unrest and frequent strikes, which had its own influence on the working culture of Bengal. Another factor that characterized this period was the politicization of the workforce, especially when the left-wing politics under the leadership of the Communist Party of India Marxist came into power. Trade unions were formed and gained much ground, and the practice of strikes became common among the workers to be given better wages, employment security, and other conditions of work.
There were many strikes and this impacted production and productivity and hence the retardation of industrial development. Many of the companies and industries either shut down or relocated to other states, such as Mumbai and New Delhi, because of the favorable business conditions for growth. This period witnessed the slowdown of the industrial development of Bengal.
4. The 1990s To The Early 2000s: A Transition To Liberalization
The liberalization of the economy in India in the early 1990s brought about many changes in the work culture of Bengal. These sectors include information technology, telecommunication, and financial services, which started developing when the country joined the global market. However, the industrialization of Bengal was slower than in other states like Maharashtra and Karnataka due to the consequences of the labor issues that happened in the preceding decades.
Towards the end of this period, the work culture was slowly changing from an appraisal-based culture to a performance culture, particularly in the private sector. They also began to concentrate on the output, effectiveness, and creativity of employees and organizations. However, the public sector, which was still a major employer, retained the features of a more typical work culture, such as an orientation toward job security and hierarchies.
5. The New Work Culture: The IT Boom And Service Economy
Kolkata, which was once famous for manufacturing industries, has evolved as an IT, ITES, finance, and education hub. The city’s Salt Lake Sector V has come up as a new IT destination for multinational IT companies and a new generation of IT professionals. Flexibility, innovation, and technology are the key features of the present-day work culture. The IT industry has brought new concepts, such as working from home, flexible working hours, and more focus on a work-life balance.
The service industry, such as banking, education, and health, has also grown and offered new job markets and career advancement. Now, the work culture of Bengal is changing according to the global environment and the demands of the digital world. As such, the young workers of Bengal are more concerned about growth, skills, and job satisfaction than job security, contrary to traditional beliefs.
Work Culture Of Bengal: Adda
Another colorful and continuous tradition of the working culture of Bengal is Adda.
Adda is an informal discussion in a casual environment, usually over tea with friends, colleagues, or strangers. Adda is a significant aspect of Bengali culture and bears a considerable impact on the organizational environment.
In the workplace, adda is a platform for discussion, idea sharing, and creativity. The adda session can help make important decisions or come up with new initiatives. Although adda is considered to be a pastime, it also captures Bengalis’ regard for the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of ideas.
In today’s corporate world, adda has evolved with the new generation but still occupies a special place in the heart of Bengal’s corporate world. This is a positive sign of the region’s acceptance of intellectuality, creativity, and the need for people’s interactivity in the workplace.
The Future Of Bengal’s Work Culture
The work culture of Bengal will change with the dynamics of the state. It is a region with opportunities and risks as it tries to deal with the challenges of having to compete in the global market, technological advancement, and employees. A major concern will be to preserve Bengal’s culture while adapting to the changes that are happening in the world.
Young professionals will be coming to the workplace with different expectations, such as more flexibility and diversity. On the other hand, the work culture in Bengal will continue to have its history, values, and identity. The education and social responsibility culture Bengal has had for centuries will remain the top priority in the process of building a new Bengal.
10 Words To Pick Up When Learning About Bengal’s Work Culture
Here are 10 key words to pick up when learning about work culture in Bengal:
How Do You Say Work Culture In Bengali?
Work culture in Bengali is referred to as Kormoshongskriti ((কর্মসংস্কৃতি) in Bengali, pronounced as Kormo-shongs-kriti.
FAQs About Work Culture In Bengal
1. What Is The Work Culture Of Kolkata?
The work culture that is prevalent in Kolkata can be described as both scholarly and artistic, while at the same time being very professional. It appreciates education, community, and the culture of ‘Adda,’ which is free-flowing conversation. Although some of the old industries, such as the jute industry, still exist, the city has expanded and diversified into IT and service sectors, which encourages creativity and adaptability in a teamwork setting.
2. What Is Traditional Work Culture?
Organizational culture in the traditional work environment can be described as bureaucratic, with a clear distinction between power and authority, rigid roles and duties, and a focus on obedience, stability, and seniority. It may also encompass a collective working model in which emphasis is placed on unity of work and compliance with the existing standards, traditions, and patterns of a given culture or society.
3. What Is The Culture In West Bengal?
The people of West Bengal have a tradition of literature, art, and education. They observe festivals such as Durga Puja, have high regard for education and are very much secular in their outlook. The state is also known for its food, music, dance, and ‘adda,’ where people come together and share ideas.
Wrapping Up
From the traditional norms of ‘adda’ to the modern-day workings of the information technology and services sector, Bengal is a perfect blend of modernity and tradition. Education, social responsibility, and art are important aspects of the region’s culture. As such, the work culture of Bengal is a combination of the intellectual and creative, along with cultural and communal traits.
You can learn more about West Bengal and its culture, history, Bengali food, and more here in the Ling Bengali blog.
