NEW DELHI: Companies with high performances are those that value diversity in their organisations (especially in gender), according to the National
Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM).In an effort to enhance inclusivity in the workspace and ensure a hospitable environment for mothers returning to work, Nasscom, in association of MERCER, launched a study, ‘‘Facilitating Returnships: Providing Infrastructure to Returning Mothers’, as part of which more than 100 firms shared details of the facilities provided by them.
The study, focusing on the impact of child care protection at work place, states that companies with high performance are those that value diversity in their organisations, the results of which range from driving growth and shareholder value to catalyzing innovation and enhancing connection with diverse customers and suppliers.
“Underutilization of female talent is a critical business issue and research reveals that organizations with diverse management teams make better decisions, as they are less prone to “group think” and able to see issues from many angles,” the report states.
However, to further strengthen diversity in office spaces and to ensure equal female representation, the study has come up with some action points for companies in the IT&BPM sector to make the work environment diverse.
Companies have also been advised to create female talent pipeline to sustain gender equality in the long-term, maintain a diligent pay equity process and adopt a statistical approach on equity in performance evaluation.
Ashok Pamidi, senior director, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives, NASSCOM, said, “Recognizing the importance of maternity policies and facilities to help mothers return to work, we have partnered with Mercer to do an in-depth study of infrastructure support needed for returning mothers within the IT-BPM industry.”