Diverse Hiring in Low-Cost Regions

Saffron Wildbore

~ 5min read

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~ 5min read

Industry: Financial Services and Payments
Challenge: Lack of diversity across global workforce, budget constraints, and scaling tech teams in unfamiliar low-cost markets
Solution: Extensive talent search with diversity focus, role-specific training programme, and ongoing development pathways in low-cost regions
Results: 4 cohorts delivered across 4 different tech/digital teams in India within 8 months, immediate project-ready graduates, and significant capability improvements noted by hiring managers

> The background

A Tier 1 Payments Company recognised the need to expand their global workforce whilst simultaneously addressing diversity challenges and managing cost pressures. The organisation required a strategic approach to scaling their technology teams in low-cost regions, specifically India, whilst ensuring strong representation of women and candidates from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The client sought to establish sustainable hiring practices that would deliver both cost efficiencies and diversity improvements across their global technology operations, whilst maintaining the high-quality standards required for immediate project contribution.

> The challenges

1. Lack of Diversity

The client had established internal targets to increase diversity across their global workforce, with particular emphasis on gender representation and socio-economic diversity. However, they were struggling to attract diverse groups of talent in specific locations, limiting their ability to achieve meaningful representation in their expanding international operations.

2. Limited and Uncertain Budget

The organisation had been actively implementing cost-cutting measures, creating financial constraints that made it challenging to budget for mid and senior-level tech hires. This pressure required innovative approaches to talent acquisition that could deliver quality whilst managing expenses effectively.

3. Focus on Low-Cost Markets

Tech leaders were required to scale their teams in low-cost regions as part of broader organisational strategy. However, they were struggling to attract job-ready candidates in less familiar markets, creating operational challenges and potential delays in project delivery timelines.

> The solution

We leveraged our extensive local talent networks and customised training programmes to address both the diversity and capability requirements simultaneously. The solution focused on identifying high-potential candidates from diverse backgrounds and preparing them for immediate contribution through targeted technical training.

Key Programme Elements

Client Requirements Focus

The client wanted to ensure all classes had strong representation of women, as well as candidates from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Quality of candidates remained a key success metric, as there was a need for individuals to take on project work from day one of their employment.

Extensive Talent Search

In order to ensure high levels of diversity and quality, our local talent team conducted extensive initial searches and completed a rigorous screening process. For the first pilot, over 600 applicants were screened, over 300 were interviewed, 30 were passed to the client for final interview, and 10 enrolled in the training programme.

Role-Specific Training

Our Academy leaders spent time with the client to learn about their tech stack and role requirements. The practical, project-based approach allowed successful trainees to begin their roles within the business with relevant capabilities to start working on projects from day one.

Ongoing Development Pathway

With trainees landing in different teams, our Academy developed individual ongoing development plans to ensure that skill sets were customised to each specific role. In addition, the robust development plans allowed individuals to have a greater impact within a shorter time frame.

 

Alumni Delivery Model Implementation

1. Discover and Define Phase

Our academy and sourcing teams worked closely with hiring managers across multiple technology and digital teams to identify required technical skills, key competencies, and target diversity profiles. We agreed on customised curricula that would serve various technology disciplines whilst maintaining diversity objectives.

2. Sourcing and Screening

We conducted comprehensive talent searches across India, utilising local university partnerships, targeted recruitment campaigns, and extensive screening processes. The rigorous approach ensured only the highest-quality diverse candidates progressed through each stage of evaluation.

3. Training Programme

Practical, project-based training programmes were designed to align with the client's specific technology stack and immediate business needs. The curriculum ensured graduates would arrive with immediately applicable skills and the confidence to contribute to live projects from their first day.

4. Deployment and Ongoing Support

Individual development pathways were established for each graduate, allowing for team-specific customisation and continued growth. Regular performance reviews and capability assessments ensured sustained development and business value delivery.

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cohorts delivered

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different tech/digital teams

Rapid Programme Scaling

4 cohorts were successfully delivered and planned across 4 different tech/digital teams in India within the first 8 months of partnership, demonstrating both the programme's effectiveness and the organisation's confidence in the approach.

Immediate Business Impact

Our trainees were ready to contribute to live projects from day one, eliminating typical onboarding delays and ensuring immediate return on investment. The practical training approach meant graduates arrived with relevant, applicable skills rather than theoretical knowledge.

Significant Capability Improvements

Hiring managers regularly provided feedback that they observed a significant increase in capability versus traditional entry-level programmes, validating the effectiveness of the targeted training approach and rigorous selection process.

Sustainable Expansion Model

Planning commenced for cohorts in 3 additional markets, demonstrating the programme's scalability and the client's commitment to expanding this approach across their global operations.

Successful Diversity Achievement

The programme successfully delivered on diversity objectives whilst maintaining high-quality standards, proving that inclusive hiring and technical excellence are complementary rather than competing priorities.

> The Conclusion

This case study demonstrates how strategic partnerships can effectively address multiple organisational challenges simultaneously, delivering cost efficiency, diversity improvements, and quality outcomes in unfamiliar markets. The success in India's competitive technology market showcases the effectiveness of combining extensive local talent networks with rigorous screening processes and practical, project-focused training.

The programme's rapid scaling across multiple teams and markets validates the approach as a sustainable solution for organisations seeking to expand their global technology capabilities whilst advancing diversity objectives. The consistent feedback regarding capability improvements demonstrates that targeted training and development can deliver superior outcomes compared to traditional graduate hiring approaches.

The expansion planning across 3 additional markets illustrates the programme's adaptability and the client's confidence in this methodology as a long-term solution for building diverse, high-performing technology teams in cost-effective global locations.

Get in touch

Need Help with Diverse Hiring in Low-Cost Regions?

If your organisation is looking to scale technology teams in low-cost markets whilst advancing diversity objectives and managing budget constraints, mthree can help. Our proven approach combines extensive local talent networks, rigorous diversity-focused sourcing, and practical training programmes to deliver exceptional results from day one.

Get in touch with our team today to learn more.

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Saffron is the Marketing Manager at mthree, with over five years of experience creating content that connects. She works across both B2B and B2C marketing, focusing on everything from career tips for graduates to real stories from our alumni. Saffron’s articles are all about sharing practical advice, industry insights, and inspiration to help readers take the next step with confidence.

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