The first of these programmes launched in June this year-`Achievement motivation for sales staff'-is targetedat sales staff in the 40 to 45 year age bracket. ``In general, individual performance tends to plateau with the onset of the 40s. Since the dip in performance impacts company bottomlines directly in case of sales staff, it is crucial for these employees to remain updated on market dynamics and more importantly feel motivated,'' says Venkatesh.

The Achievement Motivation Programme is hence a motivational workshop which aims at rejuvenating the employee's confidence. Conducted with the help of an outside consultant the programme helps the participants take pride in their achievements and plan for the future. Participants are encouraged to draw action plans and set goals for themselves. The programme is used to illustrate the benefits of knowledge upgradation and growth in the workplace and highlight the pitfalls of slowing down.

The programme uses a mixture of classroom techniques, screening of films relevant to the subject, and exercises to encourage audience participation. Typical areas discussed duringthe three-day session of the `Achievement Motivation' programme held this June included modules on: image building; promotable posturing; expediency, adequacy or excellence standards; make change an ally; why people fail; and a positive goals attitude; among others.

One of the participants of the Achievement motivation programme, senior territory sales manager in-charge of the Asian Paints regional office in Nagpur, Sirish Gadgil says: ``The environment at the workplace and the industry at large has changed a lot in the past one decade. The programme brought to our notice the attributes that are crucial for success in a changed scenario. It helped us asses our own capabilities objectively and draw a future course of action that would result in skill upgradation.''

Gadgil is currently undergoing a course in `marketing and sales' in a Nagpur-based management school as per the recommendations made by the action plan drawn for him at the end of the three-day work shop.

In another programme, `managinglifestyles' to be launched in November this year, the company will look at issues concerning employee lifestyle and health. ``We had organised a few stress management workshops and yoga classes for our employees last year. Based on the learnings, we will launch a full-fledged programme on lifestyle management. Stress management will be a sub-set of a larger programme this year,'' says Venkatesh.

Close to 15 executive and mid-management level employees have been identified for the programme. To be conducted in-house the programme will use classroom sessions and presentations from experts besides a host of other activities which are still on the drawing board.

In December this year Asian Paints will launch `retirement planning' a programme targeted at its employees in the mid-50s. ``Most people after retirement suffer from a perceived lack of purposefulness or direction. This often results in boredom and feeling of worthlessness leading to problems on the personal front,'' says Venkatesh . Hence theretirement planing programme has been designed to help participants plan for post-retirement life.

As part of the programme which will cover close to 15 employees due to retire in a year or so, tips will be provided on seeking a suitable vocation, investing their retirements benefits, strengthening their social moorings, and engaging in activities which increase self worth. As part of the programme, the company will engage a mix of specialists from outside the company like tax planners and financial advisors besides senior executives from within to extend counsel in financial matters.