Inclusion & Diversity In Corporate India
Diversity and inclusion are today more important than ever, and create a unique intersection of humanity, boosting growth and benefiting economies.
For a business to be sustainable diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity should be embedded in the company’s culture and made a business imperative, where everyone is given an opportunity to have a fair shot at seizing their dreams and pursuing their aspirations.
Sima Bahous, Executive Director, UN Women, in her opening address this year at the UN Women Executive Board emphasised that development, prosperity, sustainability, and peace are all founded on equality, and this can be achieved through shared vision, effective collaboration, and unswerving determination.
Women have made immeasurable contributions and surmounted barriers to progression. Many in the corporate world remain committed to bolstering diversity, which is profoundly important. However, this demands individual and collective action.
Pursuing the Path Together
An inclusive environment leverages diverse skills, ways of thinking, and experiences of people to fuel innovation and creativity. It sensitises us as human beings and social entities. A diversified team with contrarian views encompasses vibrant streams of thought and has a positive influence on the success of companies.
In a Harvard Business Review article titled Getting Serious About Diversity: Enough Already with the Business Case - It’s Time for a New Way of Thinking Robin J. Ely and David A. Thomas elucidate that increasing diversity does not, by itself, increase effectiveness; what matters is how an organisation harnesses diversity and gender heterogeneity, where all employees are fully seen, heard, engaged, and developed. Companies can reap benefits from diversity by building a culture that insists on equality and mutual respect.
Purpose and values shaping actions
In my experience of working with Nestlé, I can firmly say that dignity, respect, and equal opportunity are anchored on the pillars of ‘Purpose and Values’. These values are deeply grounded in the principle of respect – respect for oneself, respect for others, and respect for diversity.
Women are growing steadily in leadership in Nestlé India. Women are part of succession plans, and their development plans are closely tracked and supported across all business units, factories, and branches. Half of Nestlé’s Board of Directors is constituted by women. They are well-represented as management trainees, technical and sales trainees. The Sanand factory is a shining example of diversity in the Nestlé world. Nestlé India works with women dairy farmers and has women entrepreneurs in the RURBAN market through the Swabhimaan network.
Transforming Platitude into Promise
As we stand shoulder to shoulder, the principles of Enablement, Enhancement, Engagement, Empowerment, and Equity will enable businesses to create an environment that truly lays the foundation of inclusivity and diversity.
Enablement provides access to mentorship, training and resources that levels the playing field for everyone. Enhancement, celebrates and leverages the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences of all employees and fosters innovation. Engagement encourages belonging and participation in decision-making. Empowerment equips individuals to contribute meaningfully and stay accountable. Equity ensures equal opportunity for everyone.
It has also reinstated that no one can prosper alone, and businesses too depend on thriving people, teams, and communities to anchor each other by carving new possibilities, even amidst improbable odds.
