BREWING A CULTURE OF LEADERSHIP AND CARE ATKENANGAN COFFEE

At Kenangan Coffee Pvt. Ltd., building a strong workplace culture is just as important as brewing the perfect cup of coffee. As an Incredible Workplaces™ Certified organization, Kenangan Coffee believes that exceptional customer experiences start with empowered and engaged employees. Guided by the philosophy of “Service with Heart,” the organization has built a culture where people, purpose, and performance come together to create meaningful impact.

At the core of Kenangan Coffee’s culture lies a strong commitment to values-driven leadership. The company’s Kenangan Leadership Framework plays a pivotal role in embedding core values into everyday actions. This framework encourages employees to grow through three stages—leading self, leading others, and leading the business. From onboarding to leadership development, every initiative is aligned with these principles, ensuring that every team member understands their role in delivering excellence.

The culture of “Service with Heart” is reflected in two key behaviors: Customer and Partner First and Go Beyond. Employees are encouraged to exceed expectations by delivering high-quality products while creating genuine connections with customers and colleagues. This mindset of continuous improvement and collaboration allows teams to stay agile and innovative while maintaining a strong sense of purpose.

Open and transparent communication is another pillar of the organization’s workplace culture. At Kenangan Coffee, communication flows freely across all levels through structured and informal channels. Store-level meetings, town halls, and team huddles encourage both top-down and bottom-up dialogue. The company also leverages the CHOYS app, a digital platform that allows employees to share feedback, track moods, and recognize peers in real time. This platform enables leadership to understand employee sentiment and respond quickly to emerging needs, reinforcing trust and transparency.

Leadership development is deeply embedded in the organization’s growth strategy. Through Kenangan Academy, employees receive structured training programs that cover technical skills, customer service, and leadership readiness. Initiatives like the KC Champ Program further empower highperforming baristas to become trainers and mentors, creating a strong pipeline of future leaders from within the organization. Additionally, the Kenangan International Barista Championship provides global exposure and inspires employees to excel in their craft while building leadership confidence.

Kenangan Coffee also places strong emphasis on creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Recognizing that work-life balance differs across roles, the company offers six weekly offs per month for store teams and a flexible hybrid check-ups, and real-time well-being tracking via the CHOYS platform. Recognition programs such as monthly awards, peer shout-outs, and leadership spotlights ensure that contributions are consistently celebrated. model for office teams. Employee well-being is supported through comprehensive medical insurance, annual health.

Innovation is another defining aspect of the organization’s culture. Employees are encouraged to share ideas, experiment with improvements, and learn from outcomes. Whether it is a barista suggesting a new recipe or a corporate team piloting a new operational process, the organization promotes a “test-and-learn” approach where failures are treated as valuable learning opportunities.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are equally important at Kenangan Coffee. With nearly 40% of its workforce representing diverse backgrounds, the organization ensures equal opportunities in hiring, development, and promotions. Inclusive onboarding programs, bias-free training, and open communication platforms enable every employee to contribute and thrive.

Ultimately, Kenangan Coffee’s workplace culture is defined by care, connection, and growth. By combining strong leadership frameworks, open communication, employee well-being initiatives, and a commitment to innovation, the organization has built an environment where employees feel valued and inspired. Being recognized as an Incredible Workplaces™ Certified organization reaffirms Kenangan Coffee’s belief that when people are empowered and supported, they can truly serve with heart— creating exceptional experiences for customers and a fulfilling journey for employees alike.

By - ABHISHEK SINGH

Head HR

Kenangan Coffee India