Armed with significant experience, Bhavya has previously worked at renowned corporations such as PepsiCo, Lenovo, and Bharti Walmart. At Lenovo, she successfully led the HR function for the company in India and the Mobile Business Group for Asia Pacific. Throughout her career, Bhavya has demonstrated expertise in various HR domains including Business Partnering, Talent Management, Talent Acquisition, Organizational Transformation, and plant HR.
In a recent conversation with the Women Entrepreneurs Review Magazine, Bhavya shares her insights about the role played by inclusive leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion. She sheds light on the need for transforming organizational strategy, and implementing innovative methods to assess employee emotional safety and embedding these principles across all levels to foster belonging among employees.
In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, how do you see the role of inclusive leadership evolving, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusion among industry leaders? How has it transformed the organization's strategic vision and its implementation?
‘Inclusivity’ is increasingly recognized as a fundamental aspect of leadership, alongside timeless skills such as setting direction and influencing others. The growing diversity and continual changes in markets, customers, ideas, and talents underscore the importance of inclusion as a critical leadership capability. As a result, leaders are expected to evolve over time, broadening their understanding and fostering diversity in the workplace.
Research indicates that diversity alone is less effective without inclusion. When leaders prioritize inclusion, they ensure that diverse perspectives are not only represented but also valued. This approach drives innovation and enhances decision-making. By actively promoting a culture where everyone experiences a sense of belongingness, inclusive leaders cultivate an environment where all employees are empowered to share their unique insights.
This diverse input enables organizations to achieve their strategic goals, enhancing resilience and adaptability in navigating complex challenges. With a range of viewpoints, the organization can better navigate complex challenges. Inclusive leadership also builds a forward-thinking culture that attracts top talent, fosters creativity, and ensures sustainable growth in a rapidly changing market.
Beyond traditional metrics, how do you measure the success of an inclusive organizational culture? Are there any innovative indicators or methods you've implemented to assess the emotional and psychological safety of employees?
At Godrej Capital, we believe that an inclusive culture goes beyond mere checkboxes—it's about integrating diverse perspectives to drive innovation and foster a sense of belonging. We prioritize both the representation and well-being of diverse communities in our workplace. To ensure this, we conduct regular pulse checks using the Amber Infeedo tool, enabling us to tailor our support initiatives based on valuable feedback from our diverse employee base.
We highly value the contributions of our diverse employees and consistently recognize their hard work and dedication through awards and promotions, ensuring they feel appreciated and motivated. In addition, we conduct regular sensitization sessions, well-being programs, and allyship groups to empower diversity and inclusivity throughout our organization. Our Human Resources Business Partners maintain close relationships with each team member, offering personalized support to ensure everyone feels heard and valued.
Our commitment to diversity is evident in our workforce, with a representation rate of approximately 27% exceeding the BFSI industry average and reflects our dedication to achieving DEI goals. Recently, as part of our celebration of Pride Month with Pride Capital, we collaborated with the Tweet Foundation to host a hiring drive specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. During this initiative, we introduced prospective employees to our inclusive culture and engaged in discussions about diversity and inclusivity.
These efforts underscore Godrej Capital’s ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace environment for all.
As we navigate through a post-pandemic era, how do you foresee the role of inclusive leadership evolving to address emerging challenges and opportunities in the industry?
As we transition into a post-pandemic era, the role of inclusive leadership is poised to evolve significantly to tackle emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities in the industry.
The pandemic has reshaped work dynamics, with remote and hybrid work models becoming prevalent. Inclusive leaders will need to ensure that these models do not inadvertently exclude certain groups and instead foster an environment where all employees feel equally valued and included, regardless of their work location or circumstances. Secondly, diversity in perspectives and experiences will be crucial for innovation and decision-making. Inclusive leaders will need to leverage diverse teams to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities, by encouraging open dialogue and ensuring that diverse voices are heard and respected. Leaders will further need to prioritize empathy, flexibility, and support mechanisms to help employees cope with the lingering effects of the pandemic and its aftermath. This includes promoting work-life balance, offering mental health resources, and fostering a culture of care and understanding.
This approach not only makes an organization’s culture stronger but also fuels balanced growth and success, making sure the team feels supported and empowered to handle any challenges that come their way.
With the rise of remote work and virtual collaboration, how can inclusive leadership principles be adapted to ensure equitable opportunities for all employees, regardless of their location or background?
The idea is to create a level playing field where every employee can succeed, regardless of their location or background. At Godrej Capital, we take a holistic approach to employee well-being, including mental health checks and overall well-being, as part of our strategies. We emphasize transparent communication channels to ensure that remote employees can fully participate in discussions and decision-making processes. Regular virtual team meetings and town halls help everyone feel connected and informed about company developments.
We also facilitate regular training and development programs, giving employees access to growth opportunities, no matter where they're located. Additionally, we offer hybrid work arrangements to support a better work-life balance, which contributes to a more inclusive work environment.
How are you ensuring that inclusive leadership principles are embedded not only within the leadership team but also across all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of belonging and respect?
At Godrej Capital, inclusive principles are deeply embedded in our culture, with active participation from senior leadership. We lead by example and focus towards providing regular sensitization sessions to employees, sustained support through allyship models, and consistent evaluation of changing dynamics using dedicated focus groups. We offer training and workshops to raise awareness about diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging open discussions and actions to foster a culture of belonging and respect.
Currently, we are conducting a hiring drive for people from the LGBTQIA+ community, demonstrating our commitment to inclusivity in action. Additionally, aligning with Godrej Industries Group's policies, we have upgraded our medical coverage to include provisions for the healthcare needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals. These proactive steps ensure that inclusive leadership is not just a concept but a living reality at Godrej Capital and across the Godrej Industries group.
In anticipating the future of work's inclusivity evolution, how do you identify and cultivate future leaders with a focus on inclusivity, prioritizing particular traits or competencies?
At Godrej Capital, our vision starts at the top, with employees being the heart of our organization. We're dedicated to hiring people from diverse backgrounds and believe that leadership should champion this initiative by practicing inclusivity and sensitivity. As we look to the future, a big focus is on nurturing leaders who value inclusivity.
We encourage individuals who show understanding and empathy, are open-minded, and believe in diversity and inclusion. Future leaders need to respect different perspectives and be inclusivity advocates. Good communication is key they should connect with teams from all walks of life, ensuring everyone feels valued.
At Godrej Capital, creating a fair and inclusive future is everyone's responsibility, and we're committed to making it a reality.
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