``We felt the need for creating an environment in which creativity became a way of life. Leisure activities and social interaction emerged as best options for enabling this environment,'' says Sanjay Aggarwal, vice-president (Human Resources) of the company. Aggarwal and his team of HR experts developed an in-house club called ClubAcross.

``The club is managed by the employees themselves and is financed partly by individual subscriptions. This way, we havecreated a sense of ownership amongst our people and an earnest attempt is being made to broadbase the activities of the club, given the wide-ranging interests of our employees,'' says Aggarwal.

ClubAcross reaches out to the family members of the employees as well. Twice a month, the club organises a social event or get-together that brings all employees and their family members under one roof. ``Besides, the club provides a useful forum for new employees to establish instantaneous rapport with their colleagues and senior members of the organisation,'' he says. ``We even have a ragging session for new employees. All in good spirit,'' he adds.

``It was indeed a revelation to discover the multiple interests that are extant in our people,'' he says. To meet with specific interests, ClubAcross set up various sub-groups that developed their own activities. ``For instance, people interested in cricket formed their own sub-group, formed a team and played matches on holidays'' says Aggarwal.

``People tend togive up their extra-curricular activities once they enter the professional world. Now, our endeavour is to bring back those activities in the lives of our employees,'' he says.

ClubAcross also organises birthday parties for the members, picnics and other outdoor activities with due participation of the families of the employees. Some of the activities of the club include karaoke singing, Valentine's day celebrations, badminton tournament and fitness classes.Some time back, the members took a three-day off and went with their families to Bhimtal. Many such activities are on the anvil for the club members. ``Garage auctions are also becoming quite popular amongst the members. This is an American concept. On a given day we organise a sale of miscellaneous goods that range from used cars to flower vases,'' says Aggarwal.

``Now we have a ClubAcross card that gives discounts to members at select outlets, such as the Ebony store in Delhi. We are working out such arrangements with a large number of outlets,'' hesays. Over the last few months Aggarwal has seen a distinct improvement in the employee relations within the organisation. ``There is better bonding amongst our people now. Of course, we haven't worked out a system to measure this change,'' he says.NetAcross also pursues a referral system that facilities recruitment of professionals on the basis of the recommendations put forth by individual employees. ``There is an incentive for this service. Anybody who brings in a suitable candidate is paid an amount that would have otherwise gone to a consultancy firm. So, if somebody recommends a person for a vice-president's post and he is inducted, the referee earns Rs 80,000-90,000. There is no limit to the number of recommendations,'' he says.

This is a rolling scheme and has had a positive impact on employee retention, he says.