New Delhi, Nov. 17 -- When Mumbai-based Kriti Narang walks into her advertising firm every morning, the energy in the room seems to lift a little. She waves at the security guard, stops to ask a teammate how her dog is doing and chats with the interns about the day's playlist. By the time she reaches her desk, a small group has already gathered-someone seeking feedback on a presentation, another sharing weekend gossip, and someone else dropping off a cup of coffee she didn't ask for.

"It's not that I am trying to be the popular one," says the 27-year-old content executive. "I just make it a point to greet everyone, remember birthdays, and check in on people. I like people and I guess that shows."

While Narang doesn't think of herself as...