"No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else..."
When Hugh Jackman delivered these lines in the film The Greatest Showman, it resonated deeply with people who were labeled different by the society. This Hollywood blockbuster based on the life of the legendary American entertainer PT Barnum; hinges on his ability to bring together a diverse group of individuals, each with their own talents and stories, transforming their differences into a captivating spectacle.
Much like the film, corporates should recognise that true success comes not from uniformity, but from celebrating what makes each person unique.
In today’s global business landscape, diversity in hiring has evolved from being a mere checkbox to a critical driver of innovation, performance, and growth. Companies that actively embrace diversity in their workforce gain access to a broader range of perspectives, ideas, and solutions, positioning themselves as leaders in their industries. At the forefront of this movement is Godrej Capital, a company that has made Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) a cornerstone of its organisational culture.
From progressive policies supporting LGBTQIA+ employees to initiatives designed to empower underrepresented groups, Godrej Capital is committed to creating a workplace where diversity isn’t just celebrated—it’s embedded in the fabric of the company.
This story delves into how Godrej Capital integrates DEI into its core values and operations, the specific policies supporting diverse communities, and the impact these practices have had on employee satisfaction, retention, and overall company culture.
All Things Talent spoke to the CHRO, Bhavya Misra who outlined the priorities of the group in hiring and beyond.
Bhavya spoke of implementing inclusive practices across all aspects of operations—from hiring and training to employee engagement and development. She mentioned programs like-Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) such as ‘SHE Rises’ and ‘ENAble’, which focus on mentorship, networking, and professional growth, specifically targeting women and people with disabilities (PwD). To their credit, the diversity rate for Godrej stands at 24%, surpassing the BFSI average.
What specific policies has Godrej Capital implemented to support LGBTQIA+ employees, particularly those who are transgender?
Our comprehensive healthcare policy includes coverage for various medical interventions, such as hormone replacement therapy and medical transition surgeries. We also offer inclusive healthcare benefits and mental health resources for all our employees extending to queer workers too.
We recently launched a DEI website to further promote our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additionally, we organised a hiring drive during Pride Month by partnering with an NGO called Tweet Foundation, and actively sought applications from the LGBTQIA+ community. This initiative highlights our ongoing commitment to not only attracting diverse talent but also ensuring their effective support and integration within the company.
Many companies focus on LGBTQIA+ advocacy during Pride Month. How does Godrej Capital ensure its support for the community is sustained throughout the year? What are the year-round commitments/initiatives?
At Godrej Capital, our support for the LGBTQIA+ community extends far beyond Pride Month. We are dedicated to maintaining this commitment year-round through various initiatives. Following a successful LGBTQIA+ hiring drive that generated over 240 applications, we onboarded six queer employees with two more offers extended.
Moreover, we have inclusive infrastructure that includes all-gender restrooms, which creates a more comfortable environment for everyone. Additionally, we’ve bolstered our support systems for our employees including the LGBTQI+ peers by offering unlimited trust-based sick leave, a late-night transport facility, and flexible work schedules, which further facilitate a supportive work environment.
We actively seek and act on employee feedback through regular surveys and focus groups, leading to ongoing refinements in our DEI strategies and practices. We also maintain a focus on continuous education and engagement through our ERGs and regular DEI-focused activities. By embedding DEI principles into our daily operations and organisational culture, we ensure that our support for the LGBTQIA+ community is sustained and not limited to a single month.
All Things Talent also spoke to the Godrej Capital Employees from the LGBTQ+ community and employees from diverse backgrounds to gauge the success of such its diversity initiatives.
Aarush Patil from Godrej Capital said, “For the first time, a company has genuinely championed Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community, much like the Godrej Industries Group. Godrej's commitment is not confined to the month of June but is evident in its daily actions and inclusive policies. The Pride March and celebration across Godrej One were unforgettable testaments to our united support and allyship.”
Maira Q from Godrej Capital said, “Working at Godrej Capital has been an incredible experience for me as a transgender woman. The company embodies inclusivity in every aspect, ensuring that diversity is not just a buzzword but a reality. It’s more than just a job; it’s a place where I feel recognised, heard, and valued."
By valuing every voice and championing inclusivity, Godrej Capital ensures that its workforce is not just a collection of employees, but a community where everyone’s distinct contributions help the company shine brighter.
