Chennai: Polaris Software (POLS.BO), a leading Financial Technology Company, today announced that American Society for Training & Development (ASTD), the world’s largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals has certified Polaris as a ‘Champion of Learning’, for its contribution towards imparting learning programs among employees throughout the organisation. The ‘Champion of Learning’ certification was initiated by ASTD to encourage organizations to conduct ‘Employee Learning Week’, in order to increase awareness on the strategic value of learning. The initiative enables organizations to showcase the link between developing employees’ skills and achieving organizational results.

Nalanda, the Corporate University of Polaris is aimed at bringing the core of organizational processes through learning and development initiatives that would enable associates to reach out to the latest modules and approaches to organizational learning. Inspired by ASTDs ‘Employee Learning Week’, Nalanda instituted ‘Polweek’ in 2007 to celebrate learning and focus on various possibilities that would enhance learning among employees.

Already in its third year, Polweek 2010 was designed to provide employees with tools to evaluate their thoughts and change their way of thinking. Several initiatives and training programs were conducted to encourage employees to introspect their thinking process. Sessions included cognitive training, refreshing orientation programs and visioning exercises. The development programs brought together employees from various levels of the organization, encouraging bonding and thought leadership.

According to Tony Bingham, President and CEO, ASTD, “Increasingly, business leaders realize that the most important asset in our knowledge economy is talent, and a skilled workforce is the key to realizing results. We encourage all organizations to demonstrate their commitment to learning by recognizing Employee Learning Week.”

Speaking on the occasion, Arun Jain, Chairman & CEO, Polaris Software said, “Polaris prides itself in being certified as the Champion of Learning by ASTD. Our strength lies in our people and we recognize the link between employee skills and organizational results. As part of our organisational learning initiative, Nalanda, we have consistently been organizing various programs to encourage employee involvement for their overall growth and development. We provide employees the best possible learning framework and enable them to unleash their hidden potential and capabilities. These initiatives have helped us create a unique culture and a strong Human Capital for the organisation that truly stands out in the industry.”