TATA. Infosys. Wipro. What do these companies have in common, besides being some of India’s biggest companies?
These iconic brands were trailblazers when it came to creating inclusive workplaces in India. By championing diversity and inclusivity, they have paved the way for a new era of corporate culture.
In this article, we delve into the journeys of 10 such companies who are committed to fostering a diverse workforce and are leading the way in creating an inclusive work environment.
We hope their remarkable stories will serve as a good guide for others who want to follow their example.
List of Top 10 Workplaces that promote inclusivity at the Workplace
1. Infosys
Infosys has implemented several diversity and inclusion programs, including their “Restart with Infosys” initiative, which focuses on helping women rejoin the corporate workforce. The #IAmTheFuture programme by the Infosys Leadership Institute trains women for leadership roles. The company also has employee resource groups for different communities, such as “Infosys Women’s Inclusivity Network” and “Infosys Pride.”
What Infosys is doing right
Diverse Hiring Practices that ensure equal opportunities for candidates. This includes unconscious bias training for recruiters and improving other processes to promote inclusivity.
Employee Resource Groups spread across the globe provide support for employees from diverse backgrounds. The ERGs are spaces where people can connect and share their experiences to drive change.
2. TATA Group
The Tata Group has various initiatives to foster diversity and inclusion across all their individual companies. Organisations like Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Power and Tata Steel each have their own Diversity and Inclusion initiatives aimed at empowering people. The TATA Group actively promotes diversity across gender, age, and abilities. They also have specific policies in place to support women and LGBTQIA+ employees.
TATA Steel’s 25 by 25 programme (aimed at having a 25% diverse workforce by 2025) was recognised by the World Economic Forum and featured as part of its case studies that were showcased at Davos.
What the TATA Group is doing right
Commitment from Leadership to promote diversity and inclusion, which ensures it is ingrained in the company’s values.
Community Engagement that takes the form of partnerships, sponsorships and other initiatives supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
3. Wipro
Wipro has developed significant programs to foster diversity and inclusion. One key initiative is “Wipro Achieve,” which is specifically designed to facilitate employment and career growth for persons with disabilities. Additionally, they have cultivated a welcoming space for their LGBTQIA+ employees with the “Wipro PRIDE” resource group.
What Wipro is doing right
Wipro’s CREATE framework (Career, Recruit, Engage, Accessibility, Train, and Enable) demonstrates a commitment to fostering a diverse workforce by providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It extends beyond simply hiring, offering avenues for career growth and development within the company.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Spaces like the Wipro PRIDE resource group showcases Wipro’s dedication to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This group provides a supportive community and helps to advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ employees.
4. Godrej Group
Godrej Group has been making meaningful efforts to create an inclusive workplace. The establishment of a dedicated diversity and inclusion council underscores this commitment. Additionally, their “Godrej India Culture Lab” initiative is a distinctive program that actively fosters LGBTQIA+ inclusion and gender equality through engaging events, thought-provoking dialogues, and collaborative efforts.
What Godrej Group is doing right
Diversity and Inclusion Council that shows the company’s commitment to promote diversity and inclusivity. This council ensures a focus on these efforts at the corporate level, which can drive changes throughout the organisation.
The Godrej Culture Lab is an innovative space that fosters conversations and awareness around gender equality and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. By hosting events and fostering dialogue, they create an atmosphere of understanding and acceptance.
5. Mahindra & Mahindra
Mahindra & Mahindra demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity, particularly for women. They have implemented a range of supportive policies to foster women’s career development, such as flexible work options and dedicated leadership programs. The “Together We Rise” program is an umbrella initiative that encapsulates various diversity and inclusion projects, promoting equal opportunities and diversity across the organisation.
What Mahindra & Mahindra is doing right
Women’s Career Development through flexible work options and leadership programs specifically for women. Mahindra & Mahindra is proactively addressing the gender gap in the workplace. Initiatives like the Women Leaders Programme (WLP) help women succeed in their careers, contributing to a more diverse leadership team.
A short break before we proceed. We have some top inclusive workplaces in India that are part of Triumph – India’s Leading Diversity and Inclusion Virtual Career Fair.
6. Axis Bank
Axis Bank has shown a robust commitment to diversity and inclusion through a range of initiatives. It set a hard target of inducting 30% women employees by 2027. It also has policies like the ‘GIG-A Opportunities platform’ (allowing flexible work for freelancers) and “ComeAsYouAre” charter aimed at the LGBTQIA+ community. The Bank has also established a supportive infrastructure for employees with disabilities.
What Axis Bank is doing right
We Lead: Axis Bank – ISB Women Leadership Program is a partnership with the Indian School of Business to build a diversified leadership pipeline within the bank, which shows a commitment to an inclusive work culture.
Infrastructure for Employees with Disabilities like modifications in the physical workspace and software assistance to make working easier for employees with disabilities.
7. Flipkart
Flipkart, a leading e-commerce platform in India, is known for its diverse workforce and inclusive policies. They have a “Flipsters with Disabilities” initiative and a robust parental support policy, offering extended maternity and paternity leave. Flipkart’s initiatives are also a signal for other big organisations in the startup ecosystem to follow suit.
What Flipkart is doing right
Support for Employees with Disabilities initiative is making a concerted effort to create an inclusive working environment for all employees.
Parental Support Policies like extended maternity and paternity leaves, Flipkart is supporting employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is a key aspect of an inclusive work environment.
8. Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric has long been recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Its most recent accolade came from being recognised as a ‘Lighthouse for Diversity’ by the World Economic Forum. They have developed the “Global Family Leave Policy” and other initiatives like “HeForShe,” promoting gender equality within the company.
What Schneider Electric is doing right
Family Support Policies like the “Global Family Leave Policy” supports employees and their families by providing comprehensive leave options, which makes for a more inclusive and supportive work environment.
Promotion of Gender Equality through initiatives like “HeForShe,” actively promotes gender equality within Schneider Electric, creating a more balanced and diverse workforce.
9. Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL)
HUL has been implementing a series of initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion. They have established the “Women in Leadership” program and host an annual “Diversity & Inclusion Week” to foster an inclusive culture.
What HUL is doing right
Women’s Leadership Development through programmes like “Women in Leadership” program enhances the skills of women employees and prepares them for leadership roles, fostering gender equality within the organisation.
Annual Diversity Celebrations like a dedicated “Diversity & Inclusion Week,” HUL encourages awareness and dialogue about diversity and inclusion, fostering a more inclusive work environment.
10. Proctor & Gamble (P&G)
P&G has made significant efforts to foster diversity and inclusion. They have “Employee Resource Groups” and a “We See Equal” initiative to promote gender equality. P&G also offers comprehensive support for new parents.
What P&G is doing right
Employee Resource Groups offer a supportive space for employees of different backgrounds to connect and share experiences. It helps build a diverse and inclusive culture.
Promotion of Gender Equality through the “We See Equal” campaign signifies P&G’s commitment to gender equality. It demonstrates their commitment to removing gender bias and promoting an equal world.
Parental Support through policies that provide extensive support for new parents. P&G helps employees balance their work and family life, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Despite these excellent Diversity & Inclusion programmes, it remains hard for Women, LGBTQIA+ professionals and Persons with Disabilities to access equal career opportunities. Finding the right job opportunity remains a challenge.
That’s why we’re organising Triumph, the third edition of India’s Leading D&I Virtual Career Fair. Triumph is a great opportunity for candidates to work with some of the top inclusive workplaces in India. Through this Virtual Career Fair, we hope to help people land jobs at a place where they can bring their true selves, their best selves, to work.
(Triumph — India’s Leading D&I Virtual Career Fair is taking place between July 27th – 29th, 2023. Mark your dates! We’ll see you there.)
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