CEAT Aims for Gender Diversity in Manufacturing
CEAT, a leading company under the RPG Group, is making significant strides in promoting gender diversity within the manufacturing sector. With a target of achieving 25% gender diversity on the shop floor and 20% in senior leadership roles by 2027, CEAT is determined to exceed the industry average of 6-8%. Currently, the company reports a gender diversity rate of 17%, with only 9% of senior leadership positions held by women.
Proactive Hiring Strategies
CEAT’s Chief Human Resources Officer, Somraj Roy, emphasized the company’s proactive approach to hiring. The firm is not only filling immediate vacancies but is also building a talent pool in anticipation of future needs. This strategy includes recruiting women from diverse backgrounds, such as those in the defense sector and economically weaker sections. CEAT is also focusing on socioeconomic diversity by hiring from underrepresented regions, including Dharavi, one of Mumbai’s largest slums, and remote areas in the north-east and Ladakh.
The company’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has been evident over the past five years, during which it has implemented robust policies to enhance its workforce diversity. In 2019, CEAT’s DEI percentage was at 11%, which has now risen to 17% due to consistent hiring efforts and inclusive practices.
Innovative Workplace Policies
CEAT has introduced several innovative policies aimed at fostering an inclusive workplace. One notable initiative is its work-from-anywhere policy, which allows flexibility for employees across various categories. Shop floor managers benefit from a five-day workweek with options to work from home, a practice that was established before the COVID-19 pandemic.
To further support women in the workforce, CEAT launched a menstrual wellness leave policy called “Shakti.” This initiative allows women to take time off without prior approval, positioning CEAT among the few companies to adopt such a progressive measure. Other companies, including L&T, have also begun offering menstrual leave to create a more supportive work environment.
Measuring Employee Satisfaction
In a unique approach to employee engagement, CEAT has shifted focus from external rankings to measuring internal happiness. This assessment includes various parameters such as connection, culture, growth, value, job satisfaction, and work-life balance. The feedback collected from employees plays a crucial role in shaping policies, including the Shakti Policy and unconscious bias training. This strategy ensures that the company’s initiatives align with the actual needs of its workforce.
CEAT’s total employee count stands at approximately 8,000, encompassing both management and associates. Despite the challenges women face in the manufacturing sector, CEAT’s efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of gender diversity in creating a more equitable workplace.
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