In a sector long perceived as traditional and inflexible, Godrej Properties is spearheading a transformative shift by embedding intersectional inclusion into its organisational fabric. The company is fostering spaces for dialogue, representation, and visibility, especially for marginalised voices, according to a senior executive.
Over the past three years, Godrej Properties has adopted a more intentional and structured approach to inclusion. Megha Goel, Chief Human Resources Officer at Godrej Properties Limited, stated, “Our focus has been towards intentional actions to make Godrej Properties an inclusive workplace for LGBTQIA employees.”
Central to this effort is the Pride Internship, a bespoke nine-month, on-the-job learning programme crafted exclusively for queer individuals. It offers a rich blend of mentorship, targeted role-based training, and quarterly feedback, aiming to prepare participants for successful careers in real estate.
“We have learnt during this process and strengthened it by adding periodic reviews, deep capability building, mentorship and support, enabling on-the-job learning and a 50 % conversion to full-time roles. It enables interns to build confidence and capability, while giving our hiring managers direct experience of mentoring LGBTQ talent, thereby bridging unfamiliarity with insight and trust,” Goel explained.
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Now in its 11th cohort, the internship has proven to be more than just a pipeline for talent. It serves as a catalyst for cultural transformation within the organisation. “The programme has proven its value both as a talent pipeline as well as a culture builder. It has helped us reimagine hiring not as a gatekeeping function, but as a capability-building one, ensuring equity and not just access,” Goel added.
To ensure inclusivity permeates every facet of the business, Goel highlighted that every new employee is introduced to the company’s inclusive values from the outset. This consistent foundation, she said, has enabled the company to cultivate a workplace where equity is embedded into its core ethos.
“We understand that finding talent from the LGBTQIA+ community, especially trans persons in technical, functional roles, can be rare. That’s why when we do, we don’t stop at hiring. We invest in mentorship, capability building, and long-term career pathways to help them grow and lead,” Goel noted.
In just two years, LGBTQIA+ representation at Godrej Properties has grown to 2.5% of its total workforce. The company now aims to double that figure to 5% by 2028.
Looking forward, Goel affirmed that the organisation will continue to scale the Pride Internship and embed inclusive leadership through sustained sensitisation efforts. Most crucially, she emphasised the company’s commitment to making allyship measurable, consistent, and visible.
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