Diversity at the workplace involves people from different social and cultural backgrounds, ensuring they have a fair representation in the workforce. On the other hand, inclusivity ensures this diverse workforce enjoys a sense of belonging and is immensely valued in their workplace. Studies after studies have suggested that a diverse and inclusive workforce leads to better ideas, innovation, and the overall growth and development of the organisation.
This practice of diversity and inclusivity is deeply embedded in Vedanta’s very ethos and has significantly contributed to its goal of making the world a better place. Acknowledged and renowned for setting high standards in corporate governance, the company has always celebrated, supported, and promoted equality, diversity, and inclusivity, not only in workplaces but in society at large.
As part of our conscious and continuous efforts to further strengthen workforce diversity and inclusion, Vedanta has mandated 50% of its new hires be women who are meritorious and skilled for the required jobs. By 2030, Vedanta aims to integrate a significant percentage of women into leadership roles and governance bodies. Apart from women employees, the company has welcomed and integrated people from different genders and sexual orientations, including transgenders. At present, BALCO, a Vedanta Group company, employs seven transgender employees. In addition, the Group employs four business partner transgender employees, and is striving to further strengthen, diversify, and integrate this space. Recently, Vedanta launched ‘Samanvay’, a Group wide gender sensitization and awareness drive that enables managers to understand unconscious biases and ways to maximize inclusion within teams by overcoming these biases.
Vedanta has always been at the forefront of improving the overall well-being of every individual in their workplace. Guided by our value of care towards employees, over 92% of women who take maternity leave choose to remain employed with us and return to work. Not only do the women employees return to work, but they resume work without diminished responsibilities or pay. Several programmes initiated by Vedanta, help our employees balance their professional and personal lives. New mothers are mentored by senior female colleagues who have gone through the same phase and have successfully reached new heights. Vedanta also offers parental leave to men, with 90% returning to work and continuing their responsibilities.
At Vedanta, we understand the challenges of managing a home, children, and work simultaneously, which is why we have organised the best day-care centre for children, making the lives of parents, particularly our female workforce, easier. Through these day-care centres, we deliver meals, groceries, and even medication to their homes, easing concerns, saving time, and ensuring they get to spend a little more time with their loved ones. A number of our wellness programmes have been extended to the families of our employees, enabling them to overcome stress, worry, and anxiety and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
D&I at Vedanta makes every effort to include specially-abled individuals with operational premises like ramps, walkways, braille-enabled elevators, text-to-speech software and washrooms, well integrated & equipped for most needs. Our target is to soon create a fully, barrier-free environment, specifically designed for people with special needs.
At Vedanta, we understand that diversity and inclusivity are essential for improved productivity, and the overall success of any organisation and continue to strive towards the goal of holistic workplace representation and making the world a better place for all.
