BUILDING an Inclusive Workplace: Celebrating Pride Month Together

30TH JUNE 2023

HRAI

EDITION- 01

Magazine

PROUD AND LOUD: AMPLIFYING LGBTQIA VOICES DURING PRIDE MONTH

Ft. ANKITA MEHRA

ARTICLES

HRAI AWARDS

23 OF 2023 LISTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

CROSSWORD

EDITOR'S HRAI TEAM'S NOTE HRAI firmly believes in the power of teamwork and the value it brings. When diverse talents and perspectives come together, something extraordinary happens. The collective synergy we create goes beyond what any individual can achieve alone and together we see the potential to make a lasting impact on the world.

We welcome you to this special edition of our magazine, where we shine a spotlight on the importance of building inclusive workplaces. In an era marked by diversity, equality, and social progress, it has become increasingly clear that fostering inclusive environments is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for organizations worldwide.

In today's world, diversity extends far beyond the realms of gender, race, and ethnicity. It encompasses a wide spectrum of identities, experiences, perspectives, and abilities. Building inclusive workplaces means recognizing and valuing these differences, and actively creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents.

We hope this edition serves as a catalyst for conversations, introspection, and action. It is our firm belief that inclusive workplaces not only attract and retain diverse talent but also unleash the full potential of individuals and foster innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

As we continue on this journey towards building inclusive workplaces, let us embrace the power of diversity and work together to create a future where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.

Thank you for joining us on this important endeavor.

CONTENTS INDEX 04 ABOUT HR ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

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38 UPCOMING EVENTS

13 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE

39 QUIZ

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ARTICLES: "BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE: CELEBRATING PRIDE MONTH TOGETHER" 24

ABOUT HRAI

The HR Association of India (HRAI), founded in 2020 is an esteemed non-profit organization that has been playing a pivotal role in shaping the HR landscape in India. Their primary focus is on exploring, discussing, and promoting the latest business scenarios, market trends, change management, and leadership in the HR industry. HRAI is dedicated to creating a community of professionals, learners, and mentors who share their insights and learn from each other to elevate the standard of HR practices in the country.

HRAI's success is attributed to its commitment to excellence and tireless efforts

in

facilitating

interactions

between HR professionals and subject matter experts. Through its initiatives such

as

panel

discussions,

masterclasses, one-on-one talk shows, and Q&A sessions with thought leaders, HRAI provides a platform for professionals to gain in-depth knowledge and practical solutions that can be applied in real-time.

In addition to their educational initiatives, HRAI also recognizes organizations' best practices and individual contributions through awards and conferences. These events celebrate the achievements of exceptional professionals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the HR industry in India. Over the years, HRAI has featured more than 1,000 experts and leading minds in the fields of HR, IT, Marketing, Finance, and more, making it a hub for learning and networking.

For HR professionals in India, HRAI offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with like-minded peers, learn from experts, and gain recognition for their hard work and achievements. By joining HRAI, HR professionals can stay updated on the latest trends, best practices, and strategies that can help them take their careers to the next level.

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ABOUT HRAI

HIGHLIGHTS: HRAI, founded by Dr. Ankita Singh, drives industry initiatives and organizes prestigious awards for organizations, emerging leaders, and trailblazing women leaders. Notable participants include Blue Star Limited, Reliance Retail, Landmark Group, Oracle, Birlasoft, Vedanta and more.

Our commitment to excellence is reinforced through partnerships with the Great Managers Institute and top 100 great managers, who have taken masterclasses and featured in Forbes Magazine.

Elite leaders like Dr. TV Rao, Harjeet Khanduja, and Prasenjit Bhattacharya have graced our one-on-one talk shows, enhancing our members' knowledge base.

Our article initiative showcases thought-provoking articles by eminent leaders from organizations like BCCL, Bajaj Energy, TimesPro, Jio, Welspun Group, Great place to work and Accolite Digital.

The 23 Of 2023 Initiative recognizes exceptional leaders and entrepreneurs based on a predetermined theme. Featured leaders include those from Adani, Reliance, IBM, Infosys, KPMG, as well as notable celebrities.

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1. HOW DO YOU THINK SOCIETY HAS PROGRESSED IN TERMS OF LGBTQIA+ RIGHTS, AND WHAT AREAS DO YOU FEEL STILL NEED IMPROVEMENT? ANKITA: Social media and international support for LGBTQ rights have contributed to the evolution of society's perception of queer people. Improved visibility and connections through social media have fostered inclusivity and led to positive changes such as the recognition of trans rights and the decriminalization of Section 377 in India. However, schools and colleges still need to prioritize LGBTQ inclusion and support, as bullying and lack of awareness persist, negatively impacting the mental health of queer individuals.

I have personally witnessed this change and observed that people are now more willing to listen. Previously, there was a lot of hate, but now I see how Bollywood has become more sensitive to such movies and there is better representation, not only for the LGBT community but also for people with disabilities.

This improved representation is due to people having more access to stories and education compared to before because before, the only sources of education were books and the education system. And yes, that is where I want to address the second part of your question: Do I think that many things need improvement? Yes, because I believe that in schools and colleges, we still do not focus enough on LGBTQ inclusion or support LGBTQ groups or students. Schools can be traumatic places.

OUR MAIN LACKING AREA IS THE LACK OF AWARENESS IN COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS.

I have personally experienced that trauma, and it is not pleasant. I have faced hatred, especially from teachers who were homophobic or who disliked me for being different or expressing my gender identity.

Our main lacking area is the lack of awareness in colleges and schools. This is a crucial period when our brains are developing, and we are most vulnerable and sensitive. We are still trying to understand ourselves, and being a teenager is a tough age to navigate. There are intense emotions and a fear of missing out, all while discovering one's queer identity.

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ANKITA MEHRA (SHE/HER) Diversity and inclusion professional at Xperi, linkedin top voice with 65,000+ allies, 2 times tedx speaker, India’s top 20 diversity leader, Hr 40 under 40, Featured in a tv show MTV roadies, Young Achiever by Rotaract.

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I have personally experienced that trauma, and it is not pleasant. I have faced hatred, especially from teachers who were homophobic or who disliked me for being different or expressing my gender identity.

Our main lacking area is the lack of awareness in colleges and schools. This is a crucial period when our brains are developing, and we are most vulnerable and sensitive. We are still trying to understand ourselves, and being a teenager is a tough age to navigate. There are intense emotions and a fear of missing out, all while discovering one's queer identity.

It can be incredibly damaging for someone from the queer community to face harassment from their peers, which also negatively impacts their mental health.

I have personally experienced harassment in school and college, not necessarily of a sexual nature, but mentally harassed. Even though I have achieved significant success in life and proven myself, I still carry the pain from those experiences. Despite undergoing therapy, the pain persists because I am still hurt, and I accept that.

2. HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH? Ankita: I celebrate Pride and I celebrate this each day of my life because I missed out on a lot during my teenage years and the early stages of adulthood. I was focused on figuring out my identity and dealing with hate. It took time to convince myself that I deserved to live and that I was worthy. I was my own source of motivation back then when I was in the closet. However, there came a journey where all the allies came together and uplifted me.

Now, in how I celebrate Pride month, I primarily focus on creating education during this month. I want to emphasize that Pride month is not just limited to that specific period. I try my best to educate companies on how they can go beyond Pride month, how they can become true allies to the pride community.

My content related to Pride is not confined to a single month; I share it throughout the year. For those who claim to be allies but only support during Pride month, I strive to encourage them to be allies 24/7, for all 366 days of the year, including leap years. That's how I celebrate.

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3. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH THEIR OWN SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY? ANKITA: I can't advise you because everyone's journey is unique, including mine. However, the most important thing is to have at least a few close people who can be your allies. Don't keep everything bottled up inside yourself, as it can do more harm than good. You may start hurting yourself or feel like there's no end to it. I used to feel that way until my strongest ally came into my life. Find your greatest ally and ensure that you trust them deeply. It's easy for us to trust others, but be cautious because sometimes those we come out to can also blackmail us. So, be mindful of these factors.

Remember, this journey is yours, and no one should dictate how you navigate it.

There are many quiet support groups on social media, such as lesbian, gay, trans, or bisexual groups.

There are also numerous pages you can reach out to. Look for NGOs and organizations in your city or state that support LGBTQ+ individuals. With the growing awareness and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, many local support networks have emerged. If you're having trouble finding them, feel free to DM me, and I'll help you find an NGO you can reach out to.

Remember, this journey is yours, and no one should dictate how you navigate it. Coming out is a personal journey, and you are the best person to determine the path based on your struggles and experiences.

4. CAN YOU SHARE A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT OR EVENT IN YOUR JOURNEY OF SELF-DISCOVERY AND ACCEPTANCE? ANKITA: There are so many, so many experiences, but I would like to mention when I came out to my sister. That moment was a significant turning point in my life. At that time, I didn't even know there was a term like 'queer woman' or about the LGBTQ+ community. I was unaware due to the lack of education and the educational system. I completely hold them responsible for the years of misery I endured. I have expressed this viewpoint in various forums.

When I shared my truth with my sister, I considered it as having some kind of illness or problem. Her response and support from day one was incredible. I cherish that moment and will continue to cherish it throughout my life.

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AMPLIFYING LGBTQIA VOICES DURING PRIDE MONTH If it weren't for that moment, I wouldn't be where I am today. My sister has been a true and supportive ally, not just in terms of my sexuality and acceptance but also in my personal and professional growth.

She is the most practical person in my life, and whenever I face difficulties, she is there for me. That's why I say I earned my first ally, and it became a turning point in my life. I embrace and will continue to embrace that experience throughout my life.

5. IN YOUR OPINION, HOW CAN WE PROMOTE INCLUSIVITY AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY BEYOND PRIDE MONTH? ANKITA: Firstly, The focus should be on increasing sensitivity year-round, not just during Pride Month.

Sensitivity training, including listening to lived experiences, is essential. Hearing people's stories and recognizing our privileges can be eye-opening. I became a trans ally after getting to know a trans friend and hearing their journey. Organizations should host events to listen to diverse stories, including those from LGBTQ+ professionals and individuals in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities facing unique challenges.

Understanding their experiences is crucial for creating inclusivity.

• The second step is promoting gender sensitivity and addressing the distinctions between sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Many people have doubts and questions, so creating an open forum for dialogue and allowing anonymous questions can be beneficial. Additionally, organizations should implement inclusive policies that support the LGBTQ+ community, such as providing same-sex partner benefits and covering HIV-related matters. HIV is not solely limited to the LGBTQ+ community, but it is important to address it inclusively as this disease has often been ignored for an extended period.

• The third aspect is introducing comprehensive gender affirmation surgeries, ensuring access to endto-end procedures for trans individuals. Active hiring from the Pride community is crucial, but organizations need a realistic understanding of the talent pool. Investing in skill development, especially for transgender individuals, is essential. Prioritizing training and development programs is key to creating an inclusive environment.

Consistent employer branding throughout the year, not just during Pride Month, is key to establishing an inclusive reputation and attracting individuals from the Pride community.

• Supporting Pride businesses is the fourth element.

Organizations can engage with Pride entrepreneurs for various services, such as catering, merchandise, and professional speaking sessions. By providing business opportunities to individuals from the Pride community, companies can contribute to their growth and success.

• The fifth point emphasizes giving back to the community through corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

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AMPLIFYING LGBTQIA VOICES DURING PRIDE MONTH Supporting LGBTQ+ NGOs that are doing commendable work is highly recommended. Some notable organizations include Tweet Foundation, Humsafar Trust, and Solidarity Foundation from Bangalore. By supporting these initiatives, companies can make a positive impact and contribute to the ongoing efforts of these NGOs. In addition, Creating content and raising awareness are vital. Companies must not only implement these initiatives but also effectively communicate them to their audience. Consistent employer branding throughout the year, not just during Pride Month, is key to establishing an inclusive reputation and attracting individuals from the Pride community.

Investing in educating HR and talent acquisition leaders is essential. Sharing experiences and knowledge can raise awareness and contribute to creating inclusive environments. Extending this knowledge to startups and SMEs ensures broader inclusivity practices.

Additional steps include making technology accessible, implementing gender-neutral forms, having nondiscrimination policies, and promoting diverse procurement practices. Hiring individuals from the Pride community at all levels, including leadership positions, is crucial.

Together, these measures foster a more inclusive workplace and demonstrate a company's commitment to diversity.

6. ARE THERE ANY LOCAL LGBTQIA+ ORGANIZATIONS OR INITIATIVES THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT OR PROMOTE? ANKITA: I'm proud to be part of Xpery, an inclusive organization where I can be myself without judgment. With initiatives like our Employee Resource Group and inclusive policies, we're committed to supporting the LGBTQ community. We even sponsor LGBTQ events and openly discuss LGBTQ rights.

Join us at Expery if you're seeking an inclusive workplace where you'll be valued.

I'm also inspired by initiatives like the Trans Cafe, owned and run by Zainab Patil, providing employment opportunities for transgender individuals. Organizations like Solidarity Foundation and Tweet Foundation are making a difference too. Follow "Yes, We Exist India" on Instagram for insights into the Pride community's reality.

Gratitude to all organizations supporting LGBTQ voices. Let's take steps together and reach new heights of pride and inclusion in the next five years.

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7. ANY MESSAGE FOR OUR VIEWERS? ANKITA: I do want to talk about the privileges that people have and highlight the privileges that we have missed so far. Recently, I have had experiences of exclusion as a customer from several brands. I was searching for properties in Bangalore, and I realized how exclusive these opportunities are.

I want to emphasize that even basic things like having a nomination of our partner on official documents or opening a joint account or taking joint loans were not possible for us until recently. Even when we are in the hospital and admitted, our partners don't have the right to sign our papers. They don't have any say even when we are on a ventilator. We don't have the same marriage rights, and adopting a child together is not an option for us. We also aspire to have a normal life just like any cisgender heterosexual person.

However, it's disheartening to hear or see people ignore all of this and instead make homophobic comments on our posts, shaming us. We are already going through a lot, trying to navigate our future, and encountering such comments in the midst of it all is truly hurtful.

I kindly request those who speak ill of us to consider the challenges we face. Adding more profanity to our lives will only make things worse. Therefore, I urge you to be our allies, support us, and help us accelerate our journey towards reaching our goals.

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIAITVE

This initiative aims to identify and acknowledge 23 leaders who have made a positive impact not only on their respective organizations but also on their community, and who have inspired and empowered others to drive change, particularly in difficult times. The themes are different and pre-determined in each month.

Lists released: CST CATALYST: DUTY ANS BEYOND- JUNE 2023 VISIONARY CEOS - MAY 2023 TRANSFORMATIVE CFOS - APRIL 2023 TRAILBLAZING WOMEN - MARCH 2023 INFLUENTIAL HR LEADERS - FEBRUARY 2023

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THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE The CSR CATALYST: DUTY & BEYOND list aims to recognize and celebrate individuals who are making a difference in the world by adopting and promoting sustainable practices.

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE

Sumit Chauhan | VP- CSR | RBL Bank Sudarshan S | CEO | Save the children, India Sourav Roy | CEO | Tata Steel Foundation Shruti Chaturvedi | Founder | India Action Project Shaheen Mistri | CEO | Teach for India Rouble Nagi

🇮🇳 रूबल नागी | Founder | Rouble Nagi Art Foundation

Ritesh Sinha | VP- CSR | HDFC Bank Pallabi Ghosh (She/her) | Founder & Director | Impact and Dialogue Foundation Kushal Chakravorty | Founder & Managing Trustee | Lotus Petal Foundation Kiran Verma | Founder | Simply Blood Jayant Rastogi | Global CEO & Board | Magic Bus India Foundation Gauri Sawant | Founder | Sai Savli Brajesh Choudhary | Sr. GM - Corp. CSR and Group CSR Head – Operations | Sun Pharma Balaji Ganapathy | Chief Social Responsibility Officer | Tata Consultancy Services Avilash Dwivedi | Head- CSR | Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd [Automotive and Farm Equipment Business] Ashish Sahay | Head- CSR & Strategic Initiatives- India | HP Archana Sahay | CSR Head – APJ | Dell Technologies Kumar Anurag Pratap |VP & CSR Leader | Capgemini Anupam Nidhi | Head Corporate Social Responsibility | Hindustan Zinc Limited Anubhav Gupta, FRICS |CEO – Vikhroli, Chief ESG, Sustainability & CSR Officer | Godrej Properties Limited Anjalli Ravi Kumar | Chief Sustainability Officer | Zomato Anita Kumar | Head - Amazon in the Community/ CSR India and APAC | Amazon Amit Kumar Singh | AVP and Group Head Corporate Affairs & CSR | Asian Paints

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE The Visionary CEOs list recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and business acumen in their organizations.

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE

Abbas Jabalpurwala | CEO| Timezone Entertainment Pvt Ltd – (TEEG India) Ahmed Aftab Naqvi | Global CEO & CO-Founder| GOZOOP Ajay Kapur | CEO | Adani Cement, ACC & Ambuja Cements Amit Jain| CEO & Co-Founder| CarDekho Group Radhakrishnan Anantha | CEO & MD | Infosys BPM, Infosys Limited Avinash Kaul | CEO |Network18 Media & Investments Limited Avinash Pandey | CEO | ABP Network Chandan Agrawal | CEO | Eternia (Hindalco) Aditya Birla Group Deepak Aggarwal | Founder & MD| KAZO Fashion Karishma Mehta| CEO | Humans of Bombay Manish Kapoor | Managing Director & CEO | Pepe Jeans India Limited Nitin Rakesh | CEO & MD | Mphasis Paroma Chatterjee | CEO| Revolut Priyanka Gill | CO-Founder | The Good Glamm Group & CEO, Good Media Co Radha Dhir | CEO & Country Head | JLL India Rakesh Makkar | CEO |Bajaj Auto Consumer Finance Limited Ritesh Agarwal | Founder & Group CEO | OYO Sameer Chadha | CEO | KPMG Global Services Pvt Ltd Sudhir Pai | CEO | Magicbricks Upasana Kamineni Konidela| Founder UR.Life | Vice Chairperson CSR | Apollo Hospitals Group V.S. Ganesh | Managing Director | Page Industries Ltd (Jockey) Vasu Sarangapani | President & CEO | Relevance Lab Vikrant Vohra | CEO | Pizza Hut - Sapphire Foods

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE The Transformative CFOs list recognizes CFOs' incredible contributions in driving business growth and profitability, and creating a culture of financial excellence within their organizations.

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE

Vikash Sureka | CFO | MOBILE PREMIER LEAGUE (MPL) Vidhya Srinivasan |CFO | Eicher Motors Limited Sridhar T K | CFO And Head of Investor Relations | ABB India Ltd. Sandeep Batra |CFO | Pidilite Industries Limited Ravi Shankar |CFO | The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts Pushan C. |CFO | ABP Network Prateek Aggarwal |CFO | HCL TECH Pankaj Vasani |Group CFO | Cube Highways InvIT Nitin Parekh| CFO | Zydus Lifesciences Limited Nitin Khanna |CFO | Inorbit Malls (India) Private Limited Neeraj Goel |CFO | Jaquar Group CA. Mayank Holani (He/Him) |CFO| Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd. Mayank Gupta |Group CFO | CarDekho Mahender Chhabra |CFO- India | HMD Mobile India Private Limited Kapil Mantri |EVP & Global Head - Corporate Strategy, Business Development And M&A | JSP Group Advisory Services Pvt Ltd Kannan Sugantharaman |CFO | OMEGA HEALTHCARE Hitesh U. |CFO | Magicbricks Realty Services Limited Himanshu Agarwal |CFO | Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Divya Kumar |Group Digital CFO | IKEA Retail (Ingka Group) Anurag Bhagania |CFO | Kirlosker Oil Engines Ltd Amit Agrawal |CFO | Aon India (IB) Abhishek Gupta |Group CFO| OYO Abhishek Gupta |CFO | Myntra

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE The Trailblazing Women list represents inspiring women from diverse fields who have broken barriers and paved the way for others.

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE

Anamika Sirohi | Vice President Marketing - Nutrition & Wellness And Community | Amway India Enterprises Private Limited Anuradha Razdan | Executive Director HR & CHRO | Hindustan Unilever Apurva Purohit | Co-Founder | Aazol Ventures Pvt. Ltd. Artee Puri | Director- Talent & Onboarding - India & Sea | Girnarsoft (Cardekho) Bhavya Misra | Director & Head-HR, India | Lenovo Deepali Bhardwaj | Regional Human Resources Director - South West Asia | IHG Hotels & Resorts Deepali Naair | Digital Sales Leader | IBM Dhanashree Thakkar | Head- Human Resources | Bharti Axa Life Insurance Dr. Harbeen Arora Rai | Founder & President | G100: Mission Million Dr. Ruby Bakshi Khurdi | Training Specialist | Swiss Education Group Professional Gaurika Tandon | Head- Learning & Engagement | Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. Kavita Dasan | Chief People Officer | ABP Network Lipika Verma | VP- Rewards & Performance Innovation & Thought Leadership | Schneider Electric Madhura DasGupta Sinha | Founder & CEO | Aspire For Her Manu Wadhwa | CHRO | Sony Pictures Network Manu Saigal | Director- General Staffing | Adecco Namrita Mahindro | Chief Digital Officer | Aditya Birla Chemicals Pooja Minocha | VP- HR & CHRO | Bata Ruchira Bhardwaja | CHRO | Kotak Life Sandhya Sriram | Group CFO | Narayana Health Seetha Rani KP | Head Of Human Resources | Philips Innovation Campus, Bangalore Shikha Gupta | Senior HR Leader & Influencer, Happiness Coach | Ex-Birlasoft Sonica Aron (She/Her/Hers) | Managing Partner | Marching Sheep

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE The Influential HR Leaders celebrates HR Leaders who have inspired and created an ecosystem for innovation and change across the spectrum.

THE 23 OF 2023 INITIATIVE

Yuvaraj Srivastava | Group CHRO | MakeMytrip Sumathi Sampath | Global Head of Talent Acquisition | Infosys BPM Subir Verma | Head HR T&D CLuster | TATA Power Sneha Arora | CHRO | Simpl Shaakun Khanna | Vice President – APAC HCM & SaaS Applications | Oracle Satish Rajarathnam | SVP- HR | Mphasis Sanjay Kumar| CHRO | Apar Industries Limited Sandhydeep Purri | Chief People Officer | Sapphire Foods India Pvt. Ltd Sandeep Banerjee | CHRO | Eveready industries India Ltd Renu Bohra | Chief People Officer | DB Schenker Rajesh Manik Sarkar | Former Talent Director | Deloitte Punit Puri | EVP & Group CHRO | Tata Motors Finance Prasheel Pardhe | Chief People Officer | Trantor I V S Ranganath | Head HR - India | Shriram Bioseed Genetics (A DIVISION OF DCM SHRIRAM LTD) Harshvendra Soin | Global Chief People Officer and Head Marketing | Tech Mahindra Harjeet Khanduja | SVP- HR | Jio Dr. Tanaya Mishra | Vice President & Head of Human Resources (India) | Endo International PLC Dr. Jayant Kumar | CHRO | Adani Cement Colin Mendes | Head Of Human Resources | Voltas Beko Aniruddha Singh | CHRO | HCC Amit Sharma | Vice President, Head - People & Culture, India | Volvo Group Amit Kataria | CHRO | MINFY Amit Das | Director HR & CHRO | BCCL (Times Of India Group)

FEATURED ARTICLES

BY NEERAJ GOEL, CFO, JAQUAR GROUP

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aquar Group, a pioneer in Building material Industry with holding the crown of No. 1 being at the top for last more than ten years consecutively.

Employees are at the core of Jaquar as they are not treated as “assets” but are a family! Many employees have been working for more than 2-3 decades and many have their next generations working with Jaquar Group. Personally speaking, I have been associated for almost 7 years now, post 20 years association with the Global Fortune 500 companies and big giants like LG, Eaton, Times Group (Bennett Coleman) etc.

In my initial days, we used to focus on bread & butter, which was the literal meaning of livelihood, but scenario & understanding have been changed drastically and now people have started bringing the focus on “Quality of Life” and Jaquar has been a great workplace focusing on employees and their quality of life.

The company’s working hours are flexible and staying back late in the office is neither appreciated nor encouraged across levels The work-life balance is well taken care of throughout the Group.

The core of our working is transparency and give respect to the ideas of our colleagues

Jaquar operates in 60 plus countries, have employees from different cultures, nationalities, continents – the core of our working is transparency and give respect to the ideas of our colleagues which helps them to be part of the Great Jaquar Team for many many years.

We are proud of our Global Headquarters which is situated at Manesar in Haryana. It is a unique building which is indeed state-of-the-art and it’s a Platinum certified building by LEEDS, USA with pride in architectural design and lavish interiors. The building and its greenery spreads over 12 acres land.

It houses 500 plus employees across all levels.

It is a Zero waste building and generates more electricity than it consumes!

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NEERAJ GOEL

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Our Corporate office is equipped with: 1) ATM 2) Gymnasium 3) Recreation room with Pool table, table tennis and other indoor sports facility 4) Cafe coffee day wherein employees get subsidised healthy snack and soft drinks along-with bakery products.

5) Cafeteria is one of the best which is providing subsidised meal with a very widespread with quality to cater the health of employees as well.

6) A beautiful library to facilitate in developing the reading habits of books, magazines, and newspapers.

7) Company is circulating e-newsletters to update the employees about the operations in different countries across the world.

The company maintains the conventional tradition while progressing at contemporary cultures simultaneously through focusing on employee’s diversity wherein different genders, Ethnic group, culture, and countries people are employed and work under a family like culture. At any point of time, if any employees face any trouble, then entire company stands along-with respective employees and their family even, be it on medical front or celebration of auspicious ceremonies of life like marriage or house construction or new house purchase. Employees get together with family at any exorbitant destination is arranged by company once in a year, apart from regular get togethers on certain intervals or on festivals.

Employees have confidence that the Management is with them through their thick & thin times!

Employees related 45 plus HR policies are well appreciated by the employees.

I can recall two live instances wherein one employee with his wife were admitted in hospital with acute danger to their life during COVID 2nd wave and there was no ICU bed available across Delhi NCR and we had been facing shortage of life saver injection “Remdesivir”. At this crucial time, promoter took control under his hand and managed to get 2 ICU beds in Delhi along-with aforesaid injection.

In another case, one employee had been facing difficulty in getting knees surgery of his mother and he discussed with promoter. As expected, promoter arranged everything in best manner and employee didn’t have to bear a single penny. His mother is walking normally and feeling much healthier now. There are hundreds of cases where similar experience was extended to employees, and they feel blessed while associated with Jaquar family.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Life has its literal meaning & is giving a good experience when we are not working under compulsion rather, we are enjoying our working. Jaquar is a place which not only extends better workplace with feeling of ownership but also helps its employees to live a better quality of life. Every day is a unique day, and we need to do justice with that day through improving quality of life of ourselves, our family, our society, and our nation. Life is one and we need to nurture every day but it’s like a boon if we get the opportunity to work where your company is extending open hearted support and is always ready to stretch beyond the boundaries to make you feel just “Real Happy”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Neeraj is an accomplished professional serving as the CFO for India and Global Operations at Jaquar Group, a renowned consumer products and retail company. Jaquar Group has received prestigious awards such as the National Best Employer Brand and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. With 27 years of diverse industry experience, Neeraj has excelled in FMCG, Consumer Durables, Telecommunications, Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology, Automobiles, Servicing, Solar, and Building Materials. Prior to Jaquar Group, he held significant roles at LG Electronics and Eaton Group. Neeraj's extensive experience, leadership skills, and financial acumen have contributed to his success in managing financial operations and driving growth in various organizations.

FEATURED ARTICLES

BY RISHIBHA SHARMA, PEOPLE & ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT LEADER, STRYKER INDIA

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s June unfolds, social media becomes a canvas painted with vibrant rainbow colors, symbolizing the solidarity of Pride Month and its broader significance for humanity” Organizations, governments, and

non-profit institutions come together for talks, panels, and interviews, emphasizing the crucial importance of LGBTQIA+ inclusion and the urgent need for collective action. Against the backdrop of the "great resignation," layoffs, and the transformative "great reshuffle," fundamental human needs such as respect, understanding, and value take center stage, encapsulating the essence of DE&I: "seen, heard, valued.

Insights from a comprehensive 2022 study by McKinsey shed light on the experiences of LGBTQ+ employees. With responses from over 4,000 individuals across various industries, occupations, and regions in the United States, the study reveals that two-thirds of gay and lesbian participants feel like the "only one in the room" due to their sexual orientation and gender identity. This eye-opening statistic underscores the critical importance of reevaluating allyship as a means to alleviate the pain of exclusion and isolation faced by underrepresented groups. It is imperative that we recognize and address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during these transformative times.

The Role of Managers in Driving Effective Allyship: Now, more than ever, employees, and especially managers and senior executives, must actively demonstrate their support for vulnerable individuals. Managers hold a pivotal role in shaping the experiences of LGBTQ+ talent and influencing other allies within our organization. Their responsibility extends beyond talent management to driving not just performative, but truly effective allyship. Effective allyship assures LGBTQ+ employees and individuals at the intersections of diversity that they are supported and belong within the organizational ecosystem.

Effective allyship assures LGBTQ+ employees and individuals at the intersections of diversity that they are supported and belong within the organizational ecosystem.

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RISHIBHA SHARMA

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Practical Strategies for Managers: To become effective allies, managers can embark on the following strategies: • Self-Education and Awareness: It is crucial for allies to take the initiative in educating themselves about LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and experiences. By dedicating time to self-education, managers can address biases, create inclusive policies, and foster a culture of acceptance within their teams and organizations.

• Visible Support for DE&I Activities: Proactively establish safe spaces where LGBTQ+ employees feel empowered to bring their authentic selves to work, free from discrimination or prejudice. Engage with and promote the work happening in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. By fully participating and encouraging others to do the same, managers can demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity.

• Advocacy and Empowerment: Research conducted by Cognizant in June 2022 surveyed over 3,000 Gen Y and Gen Z individual contributors in the US. The study revealed that while anyone can be an ally, the majority of respondents (70%) cited their manager as having the greatest impact on their sense of belonging. Managerial allies leverage their position and social capital to advocate for others, especially for women (75%) and LGBTQ+ respondents (75%).

By utilizing their influence, managers can advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, actively participate in diversity initiatives, and support employee resource groups. By championing equality and empowerment, managers cultivate a culture of respect and support that permeates throughout the organization.

By championing equality and empowerment, managers cultivate a culture of respect and support that permeates throughout the organization.

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In conclusion, managers hold the responsibility of driving the bottom line of allyship, where LGBTQ+ inclusion becomes a crucial component of achieving business success. By understanding the power of inclusivity, taking tangible actions to create inclusive environments, and actively advocating for change, managers unlock the full potential of LGBTQ+ talent, driving tangible business results, and shaping a more equitable and prosperous future.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rishibha is an adept Talent Management, Change Evangelist, and DE&I professional, currently serving as the People & Organization Development Leader for Stryker Corporation (India), a renowned MedTech & robotics organization. With 15+ years of hands-on experience in FMCG, Pharma Consulting, Pharmaceuticals/Biotechnology, and Information technology, she has excelled in leadership roles at Nestle and Novartis.

Approaching every project with humility, Rishibha sees each as an opportunity for personal growth and achieving excellence. She deeply appreciates the guidance and support of mentors from diverse backgrounds, recognizing their profound influence on her professional journey.

Rishibha propounds the power of genuine inclusion on business success and actively contributes to M&E people aspects. Her expertise lies in designing award-winning talent programs that secure the company's pipeline and drive growth across divisions. Strong consulting skills and customer orientation consistently deliver impactful outcomes.

As a dedicated champion of DE&I, Rishibha leads the India DE&I chapter for the LGBTQ community at Stryker. Staying current with industry trends, especially in digital HR, HR as a change agent, AI, and digital literacy, she remains at the forefront of knowledge and best practices and speaks about these topics in industry & academia.

Beyond her professional contributions, Rishibha actively gives back to the HR community as an adjunct professional at a management college, sharing her expertise in talent building and DE&I initiatives.

She is passionate & committed to inclusive work environments and organizational growth through her internal and external initiatives.

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"This Award recognizes professionals and entrepreneurs who are Innovators and change Makers from across sectors and departments."

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Aarohi K., HR Manager, Einfochips(An Arrow Company) Abhinav Joshi STMP™, Senior Manager, Tekion Alok Gaya, Head Industrial Relations, Vedanta FACOR Ankit Joshi, CEO, Feather Touch Business Solutions Arunabha Bhattacharjee, DBA, Learning & Development, LIFE Healthcare Group, UAE Ashutosh Gupta, Assistant Manager-Talent Acquisition, Tata Power DDL Avijit Mohapatra, Director - HR, Accolite Digital, UK Bhavana Sharma, People Compliance Leader, Twilio Deepan Mukherjee, Head of Learning & Development, Jakson Group Devang Pandya, Senior Manager - Human Resources, Pacific Group of Companies Gagan Arora, Founder & President, Vertex Group Gaurav Mittal, Director - Analytics Product Engineering, Trianz Harshal Goyal, Vice President- Talent Solutions, NLB Services Himanshu Nanda, Director - Customer Success, Goldensource International Pvt. Ltd. Himanshu Tyagi, Founder & CEO, The Global Hues Dr. Kanupriya Manchanda , Vice President - People, InfoBeans Technologies LTD. Manan Jain, GPM, Asst. General Manager, YASH Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Olympia Biswas Chatterjee, AVP - Human Capital (Training, Development & Engagement), SBI Securities Pallavi Kar, Associate Director-HR, Table Space Technologies Parth Dhokai, Trootech Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Parv Kaushik, Amazon Peterson Pereira, CIGNEX Poornima Srinivasan, Testvagrant Technologies Prachi Sharma Karwal, Manager, L&D, Ernst and Young India Pvt. Ltd. Prashant Choudhary, Senior Officer HR, THDC India Limited Priyanka Karekar, Assistant VP- HR, Aptech Limited Priyanka Taikar, Head of Talent Acquisition & HR, VTEST Software Pvt. Ltd. Rajib Sen, Regional HR Manager, Voltas Ltd Richa Ahuja Sharma, Vice President - HR & Admin, Junomoneta Finsol Private Limited Ritesh Advani, Vice President and Global Head Of HR, Goldensource International Pvt. Ltd. Roshan Bhutada, GM- HRBP, WNS RUCHIKA NANDA, Sr. VP-HR, STASHFIN Sailesh Balakrishnan, Lead, HRBP, ERP, Birlasoft Limited Sandeep Kumar, People Partner Manager- Technology by Service Model, Business and Corporate Platforms, A.P. Moller – Maersk Sasidhar Ambatipudi, Senior Manager, HRBP, Pegasystems Setu Shah, Global HCM Product Strategy Director, Oracle Shrikant Ket, Manager Engineering - More Electric Aircraft, Aerospace, Eaton India Innovation Center Sweta Singh, Talent Acquisition Manager, Dunnhumby IT Services India Pvt. Ltd. Venkat J Swaroop, Associate Director, Tekwissen VIKAS SINGH, Head HR Growth Projects, Vedanta FACOR

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"This award recognizes the achievements of women who have made a significant impact in their respective fields and who have shown exceptional leadership skills, made groundbreaking contributions, and have inspired others through their achievements."

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Anita Kattuparambil, GoldenSource International Pvt Ltd Archana Dutta, Second Act Dr. Anjana Vinod, Impact Enhancer Dr. KanupriyaManchanda, InfoBeans Evita Francis, Marsh Henna Sharma, Hope and Happiness Coach Janani Prakaash, Quantela Inc. Jeevika Perumal, NSEIT Limited Nithya Parthasarathy, Mphasis Poornima Srinivasan, TestVagrant Technologies Prajna Mohanty, Ascendion and Collabera Shilpi Singh, DLC (DELLA LEADERS CLUB) Siji John, Aditi Tech Consulting Pvt. Ltd. SindhuKalyanasundaram, Ignite Akademi and Sarva Happiness Sunetra Bhattacharya, Abzooba India Infotech Ltd. Surbhi Dewan, Ashiana Housing Ltd Urvi Jobalia, Standard Chartered Bank

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"This award recognizes Thirty professionals who are under the age of thirty, for their commitment, hard work and zeal to thrive. The winners were from divers functions and were shortlisted by an elite panel of Jury Members."

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Aishwarya Behera, BNP Paribas ANU RANGANIKAR, Ocwen Financial Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Devavrat Walinjkar, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Ltd Eva Krishna, Reliance Retail Gaddipati Revanth, Sitel Group Karan Pandya, Cignex Karthika S Nair, Blue Star Limited Kiran Kumar Reddy, Sitel Group Lina Parit, TIAA GBS Maliha Mohsin, Sitel Group Nishi Pandey, KPMG India Pavithra Sridhar, Landmark Group Prahula Catherine Lewis, Schindler Prajakta Deshmukh, Schindler Rachna Lulla, Aubergine Solutions Pvt Ltd Raghav Mahajan, Cairn Oil & Gas, Vedanta Ltd Rajat Jasuja, Senior People Generalist Sallick Mallick, Ferro Alloys Corporation Limited (Vedanta Group) Saloni Sharma, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd. Sanal Kumar Saseendra Nathan, Winnercom Sandhar Technologies Private Limited Shantha Kumari NV, Sandhar Hanshin Auto Technologies Private Limited Shanthi Prasad, Sandhar Components, Unit - I, Attibele Sharon Verma, Transformance Forums Somesh Ganti, Browserstack Sonal Soni, Cedar Management Consulting International Sumeet Shevkani, Texecom India Private Limited Taranjit Kaur Saini, CitiusTech HealthcareTechnology Private Limited Vaishnavi B, Sandhar Technologies Limited Vaishnavi Narasimhan, Orocorp Technologies Private Limited Vikas Agrawal, Sharedpro Technologies Pvt Ltd

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CROSSWORD

ACROSS:

DOWN:

1) Social power, advantage, or immunity, based on your membership to a dominant group, you possess a?

2) If you advocate against the unequal treatment towards people, you are advocating against?

4) when the needs of people with disabilities are specifically considered, it promotes?

3) You are ensuring that people of varying sexual, gender, racial, class, and other social identities are included, you are promoting ?

5) Linda, a person of African ethnicity, applies to work as a receptionist at a car dealership in a predominantly white area. She meets all of the job requirements, but following an interview the employer tells Linda “you wouldn’t fit in here”. A white person with similar skills and experience is hired instead. This is an example of?

6) What is the Social constructed categories of masculinity/manhood and femininity and womanhood?

8) An individual who takes action to support social justice and works to eliminate oppression?

7) What is the term for Learned and shared values, beliefs, languages, and customs of a social group.

Note 1: Email us your answers at team@hrassociationofindia.com Note 2: The winner of the quiz will get a gift voucher of INR 2000/- and the name of the winner will be featured in the next edition.

Note 3: The email with correct answers received FIRST will be the winner.

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