Three years ago, the Migrant Support Center (MSC) was launched with the goal of providing comprehensive support for migrant workers navigating the challenges of relocating to new cities for work. What began as an initiative focused on easing the transition has since evolved into a cornerstone of worker well-being, scaling across multiple locations and shaping new strategies for workforce development. The MSC was designed based on insights from research conducted with partners like the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Good Business Lab (GBL), and H&M. 

Today, the success of the Bengaluru MSC has highlighted the importance of providing comprehensive support for migrant workers. Shahi has since expanded the model in Bengaluru to offer services to migrants from Bihar and within Karnataka. Each center follows a scalable approach tailored to meet the specific needs of workers in different regions, ensuring that all workers have access to essential services beyond just their initial placement and housing.

“The centre was built on research and practical experience. It helped us understand what workers need beyond the basics, and we’ve taken those lessons to other regions.”

~Anant Ahuja, Director of ESG & Sustainability at Shahi

The Beginning: Research-Based Solutions to Complex Needs

Migrant workers are likely to face isolation, lack of access to services, and uncertainty in unfamiliar environments. High turnover rates — sometimes exceeding 75% annually in factories — have been traced to the emotional and social difficulties workers face after migrating. This instability has both social and business costs, disrupts productivity, and leads to additional costs for hiring and training.

“I came to Bangalore with one intention, which is to earn enough money for a health procedure that I had to undertake. When one leaves their family to come to a bigger city, it leaves one feeling very uncomfortable,”

~ said Sana, who moved from Bagalkot (a district in the state of Karnataka, India) to Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Evidently, the reality of adjusting to an unfamiliar city without a support network became overwhelming. 

Recognizing these challenges, the MSC was designed through deep research and fieldwork, in collaboration with partners like Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS), Sanjeevini – Karnataka State Rural Livelihood Mission, and Bihar State Livelihood Mission (Jeevika). 

By understanding workers’ holistic needs — beyond job placement and housing — the MSC created a model that could tackle the root causes of worker attrition and discontent.

A pilot program paired new workers with experienced colleagues to offer social and emotional support during their transition into the workplace. Among 500 workers, this approach led to a 5.3% reduction in depression, a 5.9% decrease in anxiety, and a 12% increase in productivity. The success of this affordable and scalable model helped shape the design of a larger initiative, which integrated structured peer support as a core strategy.

“Our research highlights the lack of social network as an important barrier to female migrant worker well-being and performance at workplace. That insight led to the Buddy System—a program pairing migrant workers with their peers from shared cultural backgrounds to build connection, support, and belonging. This simple, low-cost model improved mental health and boosted productivity, proving that investing in worker well-being isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s good business.”

– Smit Gade, Director, Data and Reseach, Good Business Lab

Additionally, through a collaboration with YourDOST, Shahi provided workers in the MSC access to professional counseling. Between 2023 and 2024, over 3,000 Shahi workers engaged with YourDOST, attending 620 counseling sessions. Major concerns, including self-confidence, work-related stress, and interpersonal conflicts, were addressed through counseling.

Comprehensive Support for Transition and Stability

Since 2021, the MSC has played a crucial role in addressing the diverse needs of migrant workers and facilitating their smooth transition into urban life. It has provided essential services, including legal aid, financial literacy workshops, and assistance in obtaining critical identity documents, such as Aadhaar and ration cards. These documents are vital for accessing healthcare, banking, and government services, enabling workers to integrate more effectively into their new environments. During the pandemic, the MSC ensured access to vaccination and maintained a safe working environment, enabling workers to continue their jobs with confidence.

“At the MSC, we live like a big family. If one of us faces any problems, we receive support. We are also taught how to interact with people, how to spend our money, and save it. If we face any health issues too, we are supported just like a family,” adds Sana, describing the role of MSCs in the lives of migrants like her.

What’s Next? Taking Factories to Rural Areas

MSCs have been instrumental in supporting migrant workers. Shahi’s long-term goal is to balance the need for migration by creating job opportunities closer to workers’ homes. In recent years, Shahi has focused on establishing factories in rural and semi-urban areas, allowing workers to remain close to their families while accessing stable employment.

“Our goal is to bring employment opportunities to rural areas by setting up factories. This not only improves access to jobs but also reduces the need for workers to migrate to metropolitan cities.”, says Anant Ahuja.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Worker Well-being

Three years since its inception, the Migrant Support Centers have created a strong foundation for supporting migrant workers as they navigate new environments. What began as an effort to provide training and housing has evolved into a comprehensive system of care that ensures workers are supported in every aspect of their transition to urban life.

“The MSCs have played a crucial role in helping workers succeed. And as we continue to expand, we will build on these insights to ensure that our workers have the resources they need to thrive.”

~Chitra Prasad, Senior General Manager, Organizational Development

As Shahi continues to grow, the MSCs will remain a vital part of the company’s worker well-being strategy, ensuring that migrant workers are supported at work and in life.