“Bristlecone’s commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is evident in its support for maternity benefits. I am grateful for the six-months (26 weeks) maternity leave and ‘Work from home’ option until the child turns one. The M-Buddy programme connects expectant mothers with peers for discussions on motherhood, work-life balance, return to work post maternity leave, and more. The support from managers and teams is commendable.”
On World Inclusion Day, we speak to employees across Mahindra Group to understand what it means to feel included and how the Group is being inclusive...
“I’m currently a shift supervisor at Swaraj Plant 2. I began as a GAT in the machine shop maintenance department in 2022. My role later shifted to the light machine shop department, where I independently supervised shifts with approximately 70 team members each. I have tackled machine breakdowns, led electrical safety projects, managed spare parts, and today I focus on preventive maintenance and digitisation. As the only woman shift supervisor in production, I’ve faced challenges, but collaboration and team support helped me discover my true capabilities.”
“With over 50% of female graduates as agricultural trainees, my team’s support has been unwavering. They respect my views, choices, and ensure I’m included in all aspects, making me feel like family – the team actively attempts to bridge generational gaps.”
“Here at Swaraj I’ve witnessed the power of inclusivity firsthand. There are systems in place here to assist me on the job. My efforts at work don't go unnoticed; my seniors have always acknowledged and recognised my contributions, which makes me feel deeply valued. Here, I'm more than an employee, I'm an integral part of a team that values individual differences, making me feel both accepted and crucial to our collective success.”
“For me, inclusion transcends representation. It is about an atmosphere where I can flourish, contribute and create an impact. It signifies the essence of equal opportunity, having a seat at the table and a voice that's not just heard, but valued. This is something that I have observed since my Day 1 at M&M, whether in my own role within marketing or even with my female colleagues. It also includes the empowerment I feel while voicing my opinions and leading without any fear of bias or discrimination.”
“Mahindra ensures accessibility for all by providing ramps, elevators, wider doorways, and accessible restrooms. The company facilitates employee requests for reasonable accommodation and actively seeks feedback to drive ongoing improvements in accessibility and inclusion.”
“My journey with Swaraj began as a GAT in Swaraj Foundry, offering valuable manufacturing experience. As an assistant manager in Store Plant 2, I faced unique challenges, honing problem-solving skills and contributing to our team’s and organisation’s success. Working with diverse individuals from various backgrounds and regions broadened my perspective. One of my most significant career highlights at Swaraj has been the successful implementation of a new inventory management system in Store Plant 2. Thanks to Swaraj for the learning platform. Honoured to be part of this journey!”
“At Mahindra, they consider your performance irrespective of age and location. I have been promoted and given opportunity to work in different states pushing me get out of my comfort zone – this to me is inclusion. Further from the very first day there is a sense of belonging and connection with the organisation be it through the buddy assigned to you or the continuous interaction with the HR team or how welcoming the old employees are.”
“As an electrical engineer from Ludhiana, I chose this path to understand machines and their operations. I worked as a GAT in Swaraj Plant 2’s maintenance department, aiming to grasp the entire power process for quick solutions in emergencies. My practical skills grew during my GAT period with support from my cooperative team and seniors. I am thankful to my team for their support and cooperation.”
“Inclusion in the workplace means combining merit with empathy and acknowledging societal expectations like caregiving and health factors. I am particularly impressed with the ‘She is on the Rise’ programme for women, which has been designed to enable women to be more influential at the workplace and be fearless about voicing their opinions. Additionally, I’ve found strong allies in my team who foster camaraderie and skill development.”
“Diversity refers to the numbers of diverse talent within the organisation while inclusion focuses on fostering a culture that enables them to perform their roles effectively. This is a long-term investment. Accessibility is key to productivity, and I’ve been able to collaborate directly on improvements. Mahindra’s commitment to programmes like The Valuable 500 has allowed me to drive conversations about disability inclusion with top leaders. We’ve started this journey at Mahindra, but there’s room for growth, especially in policies, support, and infrastructure.”
“Mahindra’s senior leaders provided me with the opportunity to attend an E-MBA programme at XLRI, which transformed my mindset in integrating Gen X dreams with Gen Y execution.”
“My time at Swaraj has been a true journey of inclusion. Joining Swaraj was a warm welcome, they received me with open arms and provided top-notch training for my role. My family takes immense pride in my position at Swaraj. Here, my opinions matter, and I experience a daily sense of safety and value in my work. It truly makes me feel like an indispensable member of the Mahindra family.”
“It’s our collective responsibility to foster a flexible work culture. Inclusion should consider not just diversity in gender, but also in opinion, leadership, values and talents. Inclusion should be the responsibility of each one of us to create a more flexible work culture. I am glad that we as M&M family taking inclusion to the next level. Mahindra’s commitment to inclusion extends not only within the organisation but also to our dealer partners, exemplified by initiatives like the recent maternity policy.”
“It will be my one-year anniversary at Mahindra and Mahindra on Nov 1, 2023. In my time here, I’ve seen Mahindra promote talent, expertise, and performance over biases. I’ve witnessed the launch of Rise ERG, focusing on sexuality and gender diversity across locations, as well as the significant step of introducing maternity privileges. Looking ahead, with #RiseForAMoreEqualWorld, I anticipate the company’s commitment to real inclusivity, potentially through gender-neutral policies.”
“In Mahindra’s diverse workforce, inclusion is pivotal. Since my start in 2006 as one of the first three women at Igatpuri Engine Manufacturing, I’ve shaped and have been shaped by the evolving gender diversity initiatives. My journey has been one of continuous growth, from developing new engine assemblies to leading projects, adapting to challenges and embracing innovation. I’ve recruited, guided, and mentored female trainees, fostering knowledge sharing. The collaborative and flexible ethos of the teams I’ve been a part of, even during my maternity break in 2011, speaks volumes about Mahindra’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.”
“Mahindra provided me with an opportunity in sales, creating a secure and inclusive environment where I collaborated with dealers, colleagues, and customers. This enhanced my decision-making and leadership skills, fostering a sense of inclusion.”
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