Experiences and Insights of Working at Simplex Infrastructure Limited as a Fresher BTech Civil Site Engineer
Having recently graduated with a BTech in Civil Engineering, I embarked on my professional journey with Simplex Infrastructure Limited as a Assistant Engineer Grade-1. My career started through campus placement and the opportunity to join this company was purely based on an interview round.
I joined Simplex Infrastructure Limited on 15th July 2018. Initially, my orientation and training lasted for 15 days in Kolkata, with accommodation and meals provided, forming the first steps in acclimatizing to the job role and the company culture.
Initial Highs and Lows
After the training, I was sent to the site in NTPC Tandwa, Jharkhand, where the main film truly started. Accommodation was provided in a labor colony, with one room shared by a minimum of three and a maximum of five individuals. This arrangement was far from luxurious, leading to a challenging living environment.
The working hours were strictly from 7:15 AM to 9:30 PM, although these timings were not always fixed, as they frequently extended to 11 PM or even 12 AM. Project managers often displayed an aggressive and abusive behavior, making the work environment tense and unfriendly.
Practical Challenges
Food quality was a significant concern. Despite having to pay a minimum of 3000 INR for meals, the food served was far from satisfactory. The situation was particularly disheartening, as employees often ate in the same dining line, with food quality being abysmal. This was especially true during shift changes, as the project team was generally engaged with the younger staff members.
As a BTech civil site engineer, a leave policy was non-existent, and the primary focus was on adherence to strict working schedules. Furthermore, salary increments were delayed, sometimes up to six months. This situation contributed to a palpable sense of frustration and dissatisfaction among the staff.
The Climate and Culture
The work environment at Simplex Infrastructure Limited was far from conducive to personal well-being or professional growth. The main motivation was often a delayed salary, which came with immense stress. The company culture did not promote work-life balance, and employees were frequently reminded that their primary concern should be completing tasks, regardless of their relevance or impact. Such a work culture can hinder personal relationships, as advice from experienced workers suggests breaking up with a partner to fully commit to the job.
Self-respect was a rare commodity. The narratives from site engineers highlight that the main focus was on endless work, with a lack of recognition or acknowledgment for individual contributions. Night duties often required sacrifice, with no allowances provided for night shift work. Daily commuting involved riding public transport with laborers and junior employees, often leading to conflicts over seats and a general sense of discomfort.
Conclusion
While Simplex Infrastructure Limited provides initial training and basic amenities, the harsh realities of working as a fresh BTech civil site engineer are far from ideal. The living conditions, work environment, and cultural norms can be challenging and, in many cases, detrimental to health and well-being. For those considering joining this company, it is crucial to evaluate these factors carefully.