Companies that align to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices understand the value of attracting and retaining talent from a variety of ages, cultures, identities, experiences and abilities. Diversity-rich environments foster innovation, creativity and empathy in ways that homogeneous environments don’t. Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams perform better financially. Smart organizations focus on DEI because it works.
Smart job seekers pay attention to DEI, too, because a strong commitment is a sign that the organization has a culture committed to letting employees grow. As a job seeker, read on to better understand the qualities of a solid DEI program and its benefits to businesses and employees.
What to look for in a DEI-committed employer
When learning how to spot DEI commitment, look no further than the practices of HCLTech. The company’s DEI strategy was crafted around the belief that every employee should feel included and valued.
For nearly four decades, HCLTech has shown that diversity matters for businesses and employees. Our DEI journey was necessary and challenging because the company has such a varied employee population. Our global workforce spans 60 countries, with 221,000+ employees representing 167 nationalities.
Embracing DEI helps bring us all together. We see individuals from different backgrounds, countries and cultures as an advantage, not a problem.
HCLTech nurtures DEI through groups and networks
Be sure to research and compare DEI initiatives among potential employers. For example, HCLTech offers a broad range of diversity programs and networking groups:
- Ability Connect Network
- Women Connect Network
- Single Parent Network
- MERG (Multicultural Employee Resource Group)
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) have been an integral part of our diversity, equity and inclusion journey and are key to maintaining a richly diverse talent base. From tapping into professional networks that support women and people of color, to supporting the development of all employees, HCLTech ERGs are indispensable.
The HCLTech Inclusion Lab uses a top-down approach across DEI to improve the ‘Inclusion Quotient’ of senior leaders, business leaders and people leaders. “HCLTech is committed to DEI and is making significant strides with having more diverse employees in leadership roles. I’m a living, breathing example of this,” said Lopamudra Roy, Sales Director, MEGA^LT. “I’ve recently been hired in a leadership role for MEGA^LT’s sales organization.”
Such DEI examples will guide you as you explore your next career step.
The state of DEI trends and progress
Many global organizations have embraced DEI for all its positive outcomes, and at HCLTech, the results are particularly impressive:
- 28% of new hires are women
- 29% of employees globally are women
- 23.9% increase in employee headcount of persons with disabilities
- 2018 - Pride@HCLTech launched
- HCLTech recognized as “Diverse Company of the Year” by Ask Insights and ToI
- 6 DivHERsity Awards in the Top 20 categories of diversity programs and policies
The company is a founding member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Parity Alliance on DEI, which spotlights best practices in organizations that benefit underrepresented groups.
DEI celebrates contributions of women
Women empowerment is a key part of any diversity agenda, and more female participation could alone add $0.7 trillion to India’s GDP, according to one report. The number of women on company boards in India grew from 5% in 2012 to 17% in 2022. Today, 30% of HCLTech board members are women.
Gender inclusion empowers and improves the status of women employees at all levels, and at HCLTech, our commitment to women empowerment takes many forms. We celebrate women in our client and partner ecosystems and nurture next-generation women leaders through mentorship. #ShePowersProgress uses HCLTech social media to put a steady spotlight on inspiring women who create value and supercharge progress for clients on the frontline. We also support Future-Forward Female™ programs in India. This global movement advances visionary women of African descent who transform the world and solve humanity’s toughest challenges.
The Women Lead Initiative is a one-to-one mentorship program for aspiring women leaders. “At HCLTech, I have come across great mentors and colleagues who have added immensely to my learning curve at work,” noted Sarbani Das, Senior Account Manager & Sales Lead, Canada. “I’ve also gotten an incredible opportunity to work with motivated and intelligent women from a variety of different business backgrounds and teams at HCLTech, which brings a fresh perspective to the way you approach your own work.”
Employees appreciate DEI commitment
Be sure to seek out employee insights when exploring potential career opportunities. Their firsthand experiences can be the most telling when it comes to DEI commitment. Many HCLTech employees are happy to share their stories.
“HCLTech has provided me with unparalleled global business and industry exposure over the years. It has given me the freedom to think, implement and challenge. And I’ve received great mentorship throughout my career,” declared Paromita Mukerjee, Senior Director, Digital Foundation. “I truly appreciate the work culture and ethos here that enables all of us to spread our wings and fly high.”
Try an award-winning business culture that nurtures DEI
HCLTech embraces DEI, and our company has the recognition to prove it. We’ve received regional Top Employer certifications in 25 countries (including India headquarters) in the Top Employer 2023 program. (The Top Employers Institute is a global authority on excellence in People Practices.)
“We’re thrilled that our efforts to create an innovative and progressive culture have earned us recognition as a Global Top Employer of 2023,” said Ramachandran Sundararajan, Chief People Officer. “Our fundamental belief that great ideas can come from anyone has helped us maintain a culture of diversity and inclusion.”
Ready to spread your wings and fly? Visit our Careers page and explore the opportunities.
