J.K. Cement Limited, a key player in India’s infrastructure growth for 50 years, is focused on shaping a resilient and inclusive workplace culture. The company balances technological progress with people-centric practices, believing that while technology optimizes processes, its employees drive purpose and impact.
We have made significant strides in diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly by increasing the number of female employees in a traditionally male-dominated industry and have been awarded as The Great Place to Work for six consecutive years. The percentage of women at the company has grown from 3.7% in 2023 to 5.0% in 2025, whereas the total employee base of the company has also increased by 20%. This impressive growth is a powerful indicator of the company’s commitment to building a diverse and varied talent pool. The company’s dedication to creating an empowering environment for women has been recognized with multiple accolades, including the prestigious DEI Power Award for Excellence in Women’s Inclusion at the Global Inclusion Summit 2025.
At the leadership level, women are shaping strategy and decision-making, ensuring that the company’s vision reflects diverse perspectives. At our plants’ locations, women workers are a visible part of operations, challenging the perception that the cement industry is not for them. This dual presence, at the top and at the grassroots, is a testament to JKCement’s commitment to empowering women at all levels.
Building a Culture of Diversity and Inclusion
For JKCement, diversity is not a metric to showcase but a philosophy to live by. Gender diversity, in particular, has been approached with a proper structure. The company recognizes that true inclusion requires more than just hiring women; it demands a supportive ecosystem that enables them to thrive
Policies and initiatives have been designed to ensure women employees feel supported, respected, and valued. Beyond compliance, these measures reflect a genuine belief that workplaces should be equitable spaces where everyone can grow without barriers. Policies like wellness allowance, sabbatical option, Work From Home, that help them prioritize their well-being, recognizing it’s key to productivity and job satisfaction. Our Shakti initiative stands out as a dedicated platform created exclusively for women at JKCement. It is a space where initiatives are designed to address their unique needs and aspirations. One of its flagship programs is Panchkoshas, an initiative focused on holistic development. Panchkoshas goes beyond the physical dimension to include emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, reflecting JKCement’s understanding that women’s growth requires a multidimensional approach. Apart from these, the organization also provides a Retention Bonus to our female employees to reward and retain the company’s female talent, reinforcing the value placed on their contributions.
Such initiatives not only enhance women’s confidence and competence but also send out a strong message that the company sees them as whole individuals, not just as employees.
A Resilient and Inclusive Future
Resilience, in today’s context, is not just about withstanding market shocks or technological shifts. It is about cultivating a workforce that can adapt, support each other, and grow collectively. JKCement’s focus on women’s inclusion is strengthening its resilience by diversifying perspectives and fostering a culture of empathy.
For women employees, this translates into more than just career opportunities. It means having access to mentorship, policies that support life stages, and platforms that celebrate their contribution. For the organization, it means harnessing the full potential of talent, leading to innovation, loyalty, and long-term sustainability.
Technology and People: A Balanced Approach
As the cement industry rapidly embraces digital transformation, automation, and advanced analytics, JKCement has ensured that technology complements, not replaces, its people. The future-ready workforce being built here can leverage new tools implementing automation at all levels and operations and usage of generative AI to smooth the overall functions while continuing to place human judgment, creativity, and collaboration at the forefront. Over the years, we have successfully implemented tools like SuccessFactors, Concur, and our contract staff management system, which have all played a pivotal role in optimizing the way we manage our human resources.
Our transformation journey includes implementing SAP S/4 HANA on RISE, a next-gen ERP system, streamlining processes for 2,200 users across 12 plants and 2,000+ depots. This has cut master data by 70%, custom developments by 80%, and open transactions by 90%. Inventory Optimization with a Warehouse Management System, Product Authenticity with QR Code Printing, JKOne Platform for Sales Force Automation and Distributor Management and AI and Automation for Efficiency are other digital initiatives that we have taken.
Our Training and development programs are equipping employees with the skills to thrive in a technology-driven environment. Importantly, these opportunities are made equally available to women, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital era. By blending innovation with inclusivity, JKCement is creating a workforce that is both capable and compassionate. The centerpiece of our Learning and Development initiative is Skillshala, a dedicated learning academy. Skillshala acts as the central hub for all training activities, offering specialized programs tailored to key business functions like Uday – Groom young high performing and high potentials, LAP – Enhance and elevate leadership skills of our senior leadership teams in partnership with premium B-Schools, Pragati – In-person Training Workshop on interpersonal skills for enabling goal clarity, self motivation, and skill development, and Saarthi – Lead to Inspire Behavioural Intervention for mid-senior leaders
Cementing a Workforce with Heart and Vision
JKCement’s journey over the past 50 years demonstrates that true progress is not only about technological milestones but also about the people who make them possible. By balancing innovation with inclusion, the organization is cementing a workforce that is prepared for the future yet rooted in values.
From women leaders at the helm to women workers at plant sites, from welcoming diversity to caring for its employees’ holistic wellbeing, JKCement is redefining what it means to be both progressive and people-centric.
As the company looks ahead, one thing is certain: the future it is building is not just about stronger structures of cement but also about stronger structures of opportunity, equality, and resilience.
