Employment law basics for GCC HR leaders
Not legal advice. Indian employment compliance varies by state, headcount, and role mix. HQ templates from the US or EU will not save you.
Topics to get right early
- Offer letters and employment contracts with clear IP and confidentiality terms
- Wage, benefits, and statutory contributions administered correctly
- Working hours, leave, and workplace policies that match local law and culture
- Separation processes that are documented and fair
- Prevention of sexual harassment and other mandated workplace frameworks
Operator habits that help
- Local HR operations ownership, even under EOR (you still set culture and expectations).
- Counsel on speed dial for edge cases, not only annual audits.
- Manager training so informal “US style” exits do not create risk.
30 / 60 / 90
- 30: Policy pack review with local counsel or EOR partner.
- 60: Manager checklist for hiring and exits.
- 90: First internal audit of contracts and statutory filings.
Takeaway
Employment law is part of operating quality.
Treat it that way and you avoid expensive surprises later.