LINK’s Journey Towards Gender Diversity and Inclusivity – 2020 vs today

LINK’s Journey Towards Gender Diversity and Inclusivity – 2020 vs today

In 2020, I was chatting with LINK’s small crew about how we had just 1 female engineer on the team and how that needs to change. Fast forward to now, and it’s amazing that the collective hiring and culture effort has turned us around to being quite close to a women’s majority!

My resolution is to do everything possible at LINK to create a perfect woman’s workplace.

Here’s my list of takeaways and “Must Do’s”:

  • Gender diversity is not accidental, which means it needs a thoughtful and persistent effort. Generally, 9 out of 10 applications that we get for engineering roles are from male applicants. To change that, I believe every aspect of the company—from the branding, job postings, to the language we use in all our communication—needs to be welcoming to women. In our recruiting efforts, we keep the search going until we have a big enough pool of female applicants. Women who are already working at LINK are encouraged to bring referrals of female candidates from their network.
  • That said, branding, recruiting, and language will not suddenly bring in female employees if the culture/environment are not truly supportive of a woman’s needs. For example, I asked an Air India employee in Stockholm (mother to a 2-year old who was instrumental in making our work trip happen) about how she managed to pull this off with a toddler. She said it was because of the trust and flexibility that her manager consistently placed in her that motivated her to go the extra mile, including how her maternity leave was handled.
    We (and I am sure many other startups) offer a similar level of flexibility, but we have to go deeper and consider if each employee in the organization, without fail, represents those values and is supportive towards female employees on his/her team.
  •  It is critical to sensitize the workforce on sexual harassment, acceptable protocols, and etiquette. In India, the POSH law requires companies of all sizes to ensure their employees have undergone the necessary training.  The training is important but not enough – HR together with leadership needs to proactively enforce timely interventions and ensure that every employee knows that their concerns will get heard and addressed.
    There is sufficient evidence that a diverse workforce results in higher productivity and profits. So I am hopeful that the startup founders reading this article will also take steps to make their respective companies more diverse and inclusive.


Sriram Subramanian

The Top POS features every restaurant should consider

The Top POS features every restaurant should consider

In the fast-moving world of restaurants, the right point-of-sale (POS) system can be the difference between smooth service and chaos. A good POS doesn’t just handle payments, it helps you run operations more efficiently, turn tables faster, and deliver a better customer experience.

Here are the top features to look out for:

1. Intuitive user interface
Your POS should be easy to use so your staff can process orders quickly, split checks without hassle, and manage tables efficiently. A clean, intuitive interface also means less training time for new hires and fewer mistakes during busy hours.

2. Customizable menu management
Menus change, whether it’s seasonal specials, new promotions, or price adjustments. Your POS should let you easily update items, descriptions, and pricing on the go. This flexibility keeps your menu fresh and your customers engaged.

3. Integration capabilities
A powerful POS connects seamlessly with your other tools, such as inventory management, accounting software, and online ordering platforms. This saves time, prevents manual errors, and gives you real-time insight into your restaurant’s performance.

4. Tableside ordering and payment
Equip your servers with handheld devices so they can take orders and process payments right at the table. This speeds up service, reduces wait times, and improves overall customer satisfaction.

5. Comprehensive reporting and analytics
A great POS isn’t just about transactions, it’s about understanding your business better. Advanced reporting can help you track sales trends, monitor inventory, control labor costs, and analyze customer behavior. This data is invaluable for making smarter menu and pricing decisions.

Final thoughts

By prioritizing these features, restaurants can improve efficiency, delight guests, and grow profits, all while making life easier for staff.

How office pets transform the workplace

How office pets transform the workplace

Here at LINK!, we know firsthand the happiness and support that pets provide. This is why we have a policy that allows employees to bring their pets to work.

We hope that our pet policy will help make our workplace more animal-friendly for our employees and their families. The inclusion of pets in the office has the potential to increase happiness, decrease stress, and strengthen bonds among team members, in our opinion. Who among us doesn’t adore a playful puppy wagging its tail or a furry cat snuggled up in a corner, purring away?

How Office Pets Can Relieve Stress

An individual’s general health and output can be significantly improved with the company of a furry pet while working. Pets make people happier, less anxious, and better able to concentrate, which in turn makes for a more pleasant and productive work environment.

Petting an animal, such as a dog or cat, can have a calming effect on your anxiety and stress levels. These mild-mannered friends bring comfort and camaraderie, allowing you to centre yourself and enjoy the here and now. Their ability to love without conditions might provide a welcome break from the stresses of daily life.

Pets as Cultural Ambassadors and Conversation Starters

Pets in the workplace have the potential to greatly enhance teamwork and communication. These furry friends have a knack for making people feel more at ease and bringing everyone together.

Pets in the Workplace: A Unique Employee Perk

For many employees, their furry companions are an integral part of their lives, and the ability to bring them to work can be a significant factor in their job satisfaction and overall well-being. By embracing a pet-friendly culture, companies demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ happiness and work-life balance.

By providing companionship, promoting physical activity, and offering a sense of purpose, pets can significantly contribute to improving mental health and overall quality of life.

What is POS for enterprises?

What is POS for enterprises?

In today’s fast-paced business world, many companies are upgrading their point-of-sale (POS) systems to stay competitive, improve efficiency, and make smarter decisions.
But what exactly is a POS system for enterprises, and why is it such a game-changer? Let’s break it down.

Understanding the basics of POS

At its core, a point-of-sale (POS) system is where transactions happen, it records sales, processes payments, and keeps your business running smoothly at checkout.

For enterprises, POS systems go beyond simply ringing up sales. Modern, enterprise-grade POS solutions often include:

  • Inventory management tools to track products in real time
  • Advanced reporting for actionable business insights
  • Integration with accounting, CRM, and e-commerce platforms

This transforms a POS from a simple cash register into a central hub for running the business.

Why enterprises need a robust POS

Small businesses might get by with basic POS systems, but larger companies face more complex challenges:

  • Managing multiple locations and syncing sales and inventory data
  • Tracking large and diverse inventories
  • Generating detailed sales reports that guide strategy
  • Integrating with e-commerce platforms and accounting software
That’s why enterprises need scalable POS solutions that can handle not just transactions, but the complexity of running operations at a larger scale.

The benefits of a modern POS system

A good POS system can completely transform the way an enterprise runs. Here’s how:

1. A unified view of the business – See sales and inventory across all locations in one place.

2. Better inventory control – Maintain ideal stock levels, cut down on waste, and streamline your supply chain.

3. Smarter decisions through data – Identify bestsellers, peak sales times, and the most profitable locations.

4. Improved efficiency – Automate processes, reduce errors, and lower operational costs.

When used well, a POS becomes more than a payment tool — it’s a driver of growth.

Is it time to upgrade your POS?

If your current system struggles to keep up with your growth, doesn’t integrate with your tools, or lacks detailed reporting, it might be time to consider an upgrade.

The right enterprise POS can bring your business the efficiency, insights, and agility it needs to thrive in today’s competitive market.

What’s your take? Has your business outgrown its POS, or is it still doing the job? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Father’s day special: How technology is transforming modern dads

Father’s day special: How technology is transforming modern dads

Throughout the years, fathers’ roles have changed significantly. Fathers were traditionally viewed as the family’s primary provider of income, acting as the family’s pillar. The expectations and responsibilities of modern fatherhood have been reshaped, nevertheless, by shifting perspectives and cultural changes.

Fathers are now more widely acknowledged as equal partners in raising children, actively contributing to their social, emotional, and intellectual growth. The days of dads being passive participants in the parenting process are long gone. Modern dads are taking a more involved role in raising their children, enjoying the rewards and difficulties of doing so with their spouses.

This evolution has been driven by a number of factors, including changing gender roles, a greater understanding of the importance of paternal involvement, and a desire for closer family ties. Fathers now realize the significant influence their presence and involvement can have on their kids’ development, self-worth, and general well-being.

Technology as a Parenting Tool

For modern fathers, the digital age has brought about a revolutionary shift in their parenting style. With so many tools and resources at their disposal, technology has emerged as a father’s greatest ally, enabling him to interact with his kids in ways never seen before.

Fathers no longer have to rely only on conventional parenting techniques or consult a small number of sources for guidance. They now have access to a wealth of information thanks to the internet and mobile devices, which helps them stay informed and make wise decisions about the growth, health, and general well-being of their children.

Additionally, dads now have more opportunities to strengthen their relationship with their kids through shared digital experiences thanks to technology. Dads can explore, learn, and play alongside their children on engaging platforms offered by interactive apps, educational games, and virtual reality environments. This fosters a stronger bond and understanding between the two parties.

fathers-day-technology-modern-dads

Akshay Tomar: A Tech-Savvy Dad

One of the best examples of a contemporary, tech-savvy father embracing the opportunities and difficulties of raising a child in the digital age is Akshay Tomar, QA lead at LINK!. He has embraced technology as a father to improve his relationship with his child and have special moments together.

Using virtual assistants like Alexa is one way Akshay has made use of technology. He often gets his kid involved in things like watching cricket matches on their Alexa device and dancing to Punjabi music videos. These shared experiences help his child develop a love of sports and music while also exposing them to the wonders of technology at a young age.

Akshay thinks that his child’s development has greatly benefited from his increased involvement and presence at home, made possible by remote work opportunities. By spending more time together, Akshay has been able to share his passions, such as playing cricket and football, with his child. Because of his hands-on approach, his child has been able to develop a keen interest in these sports and skills, which has strengthened the bond between father and child.

Furthermore, he admits that technology plays a part in making parenting problems and questions simpler to solve. He understands that having so much information and resources at our disposal can enable parents to make better decisions and better meet the needs of their kids.

For Akshay, adopting the flexibility and work-life balance that technology provides is part of being a father in the modern digital era. He values being able to strike a balance between his work obligations and spending quality time with his child, making enduring memories and strengthening their relationship.

Work-Life Balance in the Digital Age

The digital era has revolutionized the way fathers approach work and family life. With the advent of remote work and flexible schedules, modern dads like Akshay can strike a better balance between their professional responsibilities and their roles as involved parents. Technology has empowered fathers to be more present in their children’s lives, fostering stronger bonds and creating cherished memories.

Akshay’s experience is a testament to this shift. As a QA lead at LINK, he can often work from home, allowing him to witness his child’s milestones and participate in their daily routines. This newfound flexibility enables him to be an active participant in his child’s upbringing, rather than merely a weekend presence.

Embracing the Digital Dad

For modern fathers, a transformative era has begun with the advent of the digital age. With the help of technology, fathers can now better balance work and personal life, connect with their kids through common interests, and use virtual assistants to help with parenting. 

Dads who embrace technology are better able to be involved, attentive, and aware of their kids’ needs. In addition, fathers can now teach their kids digital literacy skills so they are prepared for the future thanks to the digital landscape. Modern fathers can deepen their understanding of their children’s passions, build stronger bonds with them, and nurture their interests by skillfully incorporating technology into their parenting style.

Fathers who fully embrace technology will be in a better position to handle the challenges of contemporary parenting as the world changes. Through the effective use of digital tools and resources, parents can open up new possibilities for learning, connecting, and making enduring memories with their kids.