Through strategic DE&I initiatives and cultural values, Birlasoft creates a workplace where diverse talent thrives and innovates
Words by Sarika Saini
As a part of the CK Birla group, Birlasoft believes in enduring relationships and a family-like culture for all, based on the foundation of care for our stakeholders. While there are common elements that bind us together as One Birlasoft, we also understand that each one of us is unique in their abilities and perspectives. We provide an environment of inclusion where everyone is an integral part of the Birlasoft family and can bring their whole selves to the organization. This is evident from the time someone connects with the organization as a prospective employee to the time of their exit.
At Birlasoft, DE&I is a core value grounded on the principles of “Coexistence, Collaborate, Considerate, and Care”. Birlasoft actively promotes DE&I to create a fair and conducive workplace where every individual can thrive. An inclusive environment enhances innovation, as varied perspectives lead to better problem-solving and improved outcomes. We have a strong commitment to promoting DE&I within our workforce, through various policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at creating a workplace culture free of discrimination. Additionally, it promotes higher employee engagement and retention, boosting productivity and driving organizational success.
Our four guiding principles help foster collaboration within our organization to achieve broader goals associated to DE&I. This includes an integration of these principles in our recruitment processes, training programs and performance management techniques. We are continually making efforts to nurture diverse talent and drive progress in the workplace.
There are multiple programs and initiatives that help us achieve this. We have a very well-defined Diversity, Equity and Inclusion charter. Our learning programs and objectives focus on grooming people to their maximum potential. The total rewards program ensures that we maintain fairness and equity for all our employees. And the continuous performance enablement, our performance management program is built on the philosophy of fairness, transparency and meritocracy thus enabling employees to realize their potential through challenging themselves more and focusing on their development.
Additionally, to extend this objective to communities, we have a dedicated team that focuses on driving the corporate social responsibility agenda for the organization. This provides our employees to not only focus on their own potential but also maximize potential of not so privileged groups.
Birlasoft Diversity Philosophy & Commitment
We believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace is imperative to help us achieve our Vision of being, we strive to create an environment of equal opportunity to all employees, candidates, and partners so that they can achieve their full potential, feel valued and appreciated for who they are.
We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment for a diverse pool of talent with equal access to opportunities within the organization. We are Birlasoft recognize, reward, and nurture talent who drive progress and believe in being the power of DEI. With a focus to create a workplace where everyone feels included, valued, and can thrive in a bias free environment, we have curated policies, procedures, initiatives, and ERG groups. We readily integrate diversity, equity and inclusion strategies in recruitment, performance management, training and other processes to continually strengthen the inclusive environment. Inclusion is at the heart of all Diversity initiatives.
We are committed to treat everyone with respect, dignity with no discrimination regardless of their race, background, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, caste, age groups, family or marital status, political affiliation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and any other characteristics that are unique to people.
We believe that for an organization to be truly diverse and inclusive, it is important that the culture tenets support four key cultural dimensions of Care – Consideration – Collaboration – Coexistence.
We shall strive to ensure that people thrive in the company of each other, collaborating effectively to help the organization achieve its goals.
Leadership Commitment to DE&I
Leadership Commitment at Birlasoft is profoundly evidenced by the active role and dedication of its top executives.
We believe in empowering not just one gender but create a workplace that supports the ‘Coexistence’ where we all ‘Collaborate’ while being ‘Considerate’ to differences in working styles but also ‘Caring’ for the special needs.
We have a dedicated council consisting of leaders from across the organization with the responsibility of leading, sponsoring, and promoting DEI and transforming Birlasoft into an inclusive workplace while promoting diversity and nurturing talent across diverse groups. The DEI Council is critical in developing the overall strategy, finalizing key initiatives, and tracking progress towards goals and outcomes.
Birlasoft believes in being an equal opportunity employer, where all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment based on merit regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. The company strives to maintain a work environment that is free from any harassment based on the above considerations, and this policy aims to comply with applicable regulations as prescribed.
A diverse culture ensures we have attracted the best talent and helps us build innovative solutions for our clients. We believe in understanding the requisites and creating specific solutions that enable teams to deliver better results with mutual understanding and respect.
The Company focuses on being an equal opportunity employer, emphasizing merit-based employment regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, political affiliation, socio-economic status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. Rigorous human resource processes for promotions, compensation reviews, and performance management ensure equity for all employees, with a strong focus on objectivity, transparency, and fairness.
Birlasoft has established several Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that provide support networks for different employee demographics, These groups promote a sense of community and belonging, enabling employees to connect, share experiences, and support each other’s professional growth.
This commitment to inclusivity is integrated in our workplace as well, as we strive to create a diverse and equitable environment for all our employees.
Diversity at Birlasoft encompasses several dimensions, including gender, individuals with disabilities (PWDs), veterans, and ethnicity. Affirmative hiring practices have successfully achieved a gender diversity ratio of 26 % with targeted efforts at all hiring levels. Partnerships with gender-specific campuses for recruitment have resulted in batches comprising up to 80% women graduates. Additionally, unconscious bias trainings and vendor education have significantly enhanced the DE&I initiatives.
Ensuring diverse representation across all organizational levels is a fundamental commitment at Birlasoft. An engaged workforce is crucial for driving innovation and achieving business success. The company provides various platforms for employees to upskill for career growth, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and engagement. Recognizing the diverse needs of the workforce, the Company offers flexible work policies that support work life balance. Programs such as the Women Returnship Program and Career Reboot Program are designed to help female employees transition back into the workforce after a maternity/career break, ensuring they can continue their careers without compromising on personal commitments.
A diverse cultural environment ensures that we draw in top talent and facilitate the development of innovative solutions for our clients. We prioritize comprehending requirements and crafting tailored solutions that empower teams to achieve superior outcomes through mutual understanding and respect. Diversity at Birlasoft focuses on empowerment of individuals from different backgrounds, including the 49 persons with disability employed at our organization.
The impact of Birlasoft’ s DE&I initiatives is profound and far-reaching, creating an inclusive and equitable work environment that promotes innovation, engagement, and business success. By embedding DE&I principles into core operations, Birlasoft has not only enhanced workplace culture but also driven tangible improvements across various facets of the organization.
Sarika Saini is the Global Head – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Birlasoft Limited
