Introduction: The GCC Office Leasing Boom in FY25

The Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India are experiencing an unprecedented surge in office leasing activity in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25). According to a recent article by The Hans India, the demand for premium office spaces by GCCs has reached a historic high, signaling a robust expansion of global enterprises in the country. This trend is particularly significant for professional services companies looking to establish or expand their GCC footprint in India.

This comprehensive article delves into the key drivers behind this record rise, recent research on GCC expansion, the implications for professional services companies, and the unique role Han Digital plays in navigating the evolving talent market. With a focus on SEO best practices for 2025, this guide is your go-to resource for understanding the future of GCCs in India.

Understanding the Record Surge: Key Highlights from FY25

As reported by The Hans India, the Indian office market is witnessing a record-breaking surge in leasing activity by GCCs. In the first half of FY25 alone, GCCs accounted for nearly 45% of all office leasing transactions in major metros like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai. This marks the highest share ever recorded by the segment, surpassing even the pre-pandemic highs.

• Leasing Volume: Over 20 million sq. ft. leased by GCCs in H1 FY25, a 30% YoY increase (The Hans India).
• Key Sectors: Technology, BFSI, healthcare, and professional services are leading the demand.
• Top Cities: Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune remain the preferred destinations, with emerging interest in tier-2 cities.
• Grade-A Spaces: Over 80% of new leases are in Grade-A buildings, reflecting a focus on quality and sustainability.

These figures highlight the growing confidence of global enterprises in India’s talent pool, infrastructure, and business environment.

Why Are GCCs Expanding Rapidly in FY25?

Several factors are driving the record expansion of GCCs and their rising appetite for office space in India:

1. Digital Transformation: Accelerated adoption of digital technologies is prompting global companies to set up innovation hubs and R&D centers in India.
2. Cost Optimization: India offers a unique combination of cost efficiency and access to skilled talent, making it attractive for global operations.
3. Hybrid Work Models: As hybrid and flexible work arrangements become the norm, companies are redesigning office spaces to foster collaboration and innovation.
4. Government Incentives: Proactive policies and incentives by Indian states are encouraging more companies to establish GCCs.
5. Resilience and Risk Diversification: The pandemic underscored the need for diversified global operations, with India emerging as a key hub.

Recent research by NASSCOM (2023) and CBRE (Q1 2024) confirms these trends, projecting continued double-digit growth in GCC investments and office space demand through 2025.

Professional Services Companies: Why Now Is the Time to Establish GCCs in India

For professional services firms—including consulting, legal, audit, and engineering services—the current market presents an unparalleled opportunity to establish or expand GCCs in India. Here’s why:

• Access to Deep Talent Pools: India boasts one of the world’s largest pools of STEM and business talent, with over 1.5 million graduates annually (NASSCOM, 2023).
• Innovation and Digital Capabilities: Indian GCCs are increasingly driving global innovation, digital transformation, and process optimization for parent organizations.
• Cost and Operational Efficiency: Setting up a GCC in India can reduce operational costs by 30-40%, while enhancing agility and scalability.
• Client Proximity and Global Delivery: Indian GCCs enable 24×7 operations, serving global clients seamlessly across time zones.
• Regulatory and Compliance Support: Professional services GCCs can provide critical support in risk, compliance, and regulatory functions for global entities.

Given the record rise in office leasing, securing premium office space in strategic locations is now a competitive advantage for professional services companies.

Recent Research: The Future of GCCs in India

Recent studies and industry reports provide valuable insights into the evolving GCC landscape:

• NASSCOM India GCC Trends 2023: India is home to over 1,580 GCCs, employing 1.66 million professionals. By 2025, this number is expected to cross 2,000, with a growing share in high-value functions like AI, cybersecurity, and digital consulting.
• CBRE India Office MarketView Q1 2024: GCCs are expected to lease over 40 million sq. ft. in 2025, driven by expansion in technology, BFSI, and professional services sectors.
• JLL India GCC Report 2024: GCCs are evolving from cost centers to strategic innovation hubs, with a focus on leadership hiring, digital skills, and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance.

These findings underscore the need for a strategic approach to talent acquisition, office space selection, and leadership engagement for companies planning to establish or expand GCCs in India.

Han Digital: Shaping the Talent Strategy for GCCs

As the GCC market matures, the competition for top talent and senior leadership intensifies. This is where Han Digital emerges as a trusted partner for global professional services companies.

Unique Understanding of Talent Markets

Han Digital brings a data-driven and consultative approach to talent acquisition for GCCs. With deep market intelligence, Han Digital helps organizations:

• Identify and attract niche digital, technology, and domain experts
• Map talent availability across metros and emerging cities
• Benchmark compensation, benefits, and career progression for GCC roles
• Design employer branding and talent engagement strategies

Connections with Senior Leadership

One of Han Digital’s key differentiators is its extensive network with senior leadership across industries. This enables:

• Access to proven GCC leaders for critical roles (e.g., Center Heads, CTOs, COOs, Digital Transformation Leaders)
• Facilitation of leadership roundtables and knowledge sharing for best practices in GCC setup and scaling
• Advisory on succession planning, diversity, and leadership development

End-to-End GCC Talent Solutions

Han Digital’s integrated solutions cover the entire GCC lifecycle:

• Market entry and feasibility studies
• Talent market mapping and workforce planning
• Leadership and specialist hiring
• Onboarding, retention, and culture building
• Continuous talent market intelligence and benchmarking

For professional services companies, partnering with Han Digital ensures a competitive edge in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent for their GCCs in India.

Office Space Strategy: What Professional Services Companies Should Consider

The record rise in office leasing by GCCs in FY25 means that competition for premium spaces is intense. Here are key considerations for professional services firms:

1. Location Strategy: Choose cities and micro-markets that align with talent availability, infrastructure, and client proximity. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai remain top choices, while tier-2 cities like Coimbatore and Ahmedabad are gaining traction.
2. Quality and Sustainability: Opt for Grade-A, green-certified buildings that support hybrid work, collaboration, and employee well-being.
3. Scalability: Ensure office spaces can accommodate future growth and evolving business needs.
4. Technology Enablement: Invest in smart offices with advanced connectivity, security, and collaboration tools.
5. Employee Experience: Create workspaces that foster innovation, learning, and a strong organizational culture.

Han Digital can advise on talent-centric location strategies and connect companies with real estate partners specializing in GCC requirements.

Leadership Hiring: The Critical Success Factor for GCCs

As GCCs move up the value chain, leadership hiring becomes a critical success factor. According to EY’s 2024 GCC study, over 60% of GCCs plan to hire senior leaders with experience in digital transformation, innovation, and global operations in FY25.

Han Digital’s leadership hiring practice offers:

• Access to a curated pool of GCC-ready leaders
• Assessment of leadership competencies for the digital age
• Advisory on compensation, incentives, and long-term retention
• Support for onboarding and integration of global leaders into the Indian ecosystem

This ensures that professional services GCCs are led by visionary leaders who can drive transformation and deliver business outcomes.

Talent Market Trends to Watch in FY25

Based on Han Digital’s ongoing research and market insights, here are the top talent trends shaping GCCs in FY25:

• Digital Skills in Demand: AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and automation are the hottest skills for GCCs.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Companies are prioritizing gender and cultural diversity in GCC leadership and workforce.
• Flexible Work Models: Hybrid and remote work options are now standard, influencing office design and talent attraction.
• Employee Experience: Focus on wellness, learning, and career growth to attract and retain top talent.
• ESG and Sustainability: GCCs are aligning with global ESG goals, impacting talent policies and office space selection.

Professional services companies must align their talent strategies with these trends to stay ahead in the competitive GCC landscape.

Case Study: How a Leading Consulting Firm Scaled Its GCC in India with Han Digital

Background: A global consulting giant planned to double its India GCC headcount in FY25, focusing on digital transformation and analytics for global clients.

Challenge: The firm needed to secure premium office space in Bengaluru and hire over 500 digital specialists and 10 senior leaders within six months.

Solution: Han Digital partnered with the firm to:

• Conduct talent market mapping across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune
• Advise on office location strategy based on talent availability and commute patterns
• Lead a targeted leadership hiring campaign, leveraging its network with GCC leaders
• Design an employer branding program to attract digital talent

Outcome: The firm successfully leased a Grade-A office in Bengaluru, onboarded all key hires within the timeline, and achieved a 95% retention rate in the first year. The GCC is now a global innovation hub supporting clients across 30+ countries.

Conclusion: The Future of GCCs and Office Leasing in India

The record rise in office leasing by GCCs during FY25 marks a new era for India’s role in the global business landscape. For professional services companies, this is the time to invest in world-class GCCs, leveraging India’s talent