Creating an atmosphere that encourages women to share ideas and take risks is essential for promoting innovation and inclusivity.
At SKF India, we are committed to empowering women and fostering an inclusive and dynamic workplace. We continuously strive to create an environment where women feel empowered to take risks and express their thoughts. Our efforts in driving this agenda are evident through various initiatives and programs implemented across the organization. Here are some of the key learnings that helped us to speed up our progress toward this agenda.
• Promoting transparent communication is crucial. SKF promotes open dialogue through various platforms, such as regular team meetings, suggestion boxes, and anonymous feedback channels, ensuring that women can voice their ideas without fear of judgment.
Our Women’s Network, established in 2022, aims to provide a supportive environment for women’s development and networking. This employee resource group facilitates open dialogues and offers inspiration through various initiatives and activities, including a “Spotlight Women Leaders” series, personal branding sessions, and regional dialogues with senior leaders, celebrating the achievements of women across the region.
• Providing mentorship and support is another vital aspect. SKF has introduced a specific mentorship program for women, where experienced leaders guide and support women in their career development, fostering confidence and providing a safe space for discussing challenges and opportunities.
• Offering professional development opportunities is a key strategy. SKF provides access to training and development programs that help women enhance their skills and advance their careers. “She Leads,” a flagship program focused on empowering women to assume leadership roles, has seen remarkable success, with participants making significant career advancements.
• Ensuring equal opportunities is a must. SKF implements policies to ensure equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of gender, including fair hiring practices, equal pay, and opportunities for advancement. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at SKF underscore the importance of creating an equitable environment where everyone can thrive.
• Cultivating a safe and respectful workplace is paramount. SKF fosters a workplace culture that is free from harassment and discrimination and provides training on Psychological Safety to all employees, especially people managers.
SKF India is committed to creating a workplace where women are empowered to take risks and express themselves. The inclusion of women in blue-collar jobs is one of the key priorities for us, along with ensuring diversity overall, and our programs and initiatives are tailored to support women in these roles.
Through our various initiatives and programs, we aim to create an inclusive, dynamic, and progressive environment that supports the personal and professional growth of our women employees. As we continue this journey, we stay persistent in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that every woman at SKF India feels valued, respected, and empowered.
