Indian Companies Prioritize Women’s Workplace Inclusivity
In a significant shift towards inclusivity, Indian companies are reimagining their workplaces to better attract and retain female talent. With a focus on diversity, gender parity, and enhanced flexibility, organizations are implementing targeted leadership programs and advanced AI upskilling initiatives. As the demand for work-life balance intensifies, equal opportunities are emerging as a top priority for women, overshadowing traditional concerns like salary and benefits.
Flexibility: A Key Factor for Women Employees
As companies navigate the post-pandemic return-to-office landscape, flexibility has become crucial for women balancing professional and personal responsibilities. According to the Randstad Workmonitor Survey 2025, 52% of Indian employees would consider leaving a job that does not offer adequate flexibility. Women, in particular, emphasize the importance of work-life balance in their career choices.
Viswanath P S, Managing Director and CEO of Randstad India, highlights that women are increasingly seeking flexible work arrangements, meaningful career development, and upskilling opportunities, especially in AI and emerging technologies. Companies like TCS and Accenture are responding to this demand by offering flexible work options, while others, such as Meesho, are adopting hybrid work policies to enhance work-life balance.
Innovative Programs Supporting Women in the Workforce
Organizations are also launching innovative programs to support women, particularly new mothers and primary caregivers. Myntra’s MynVive: Myntra Ramp-back Programme exemplifies this trend by providing options such as sabbatical leave for up to 24 weeks and the ability to work at 50% capacity for three months post-maternity. These initiatives aim to create a more accommodating work environment for women returning to the workforce.
However, not all companies are embracing flexibility. Rituparna Chakraborty, co-founder of TeamLease, warns that organizations insisting on strict return-to-office policies may struggle to attract and retain top female talent. She emphasizes that companies leveraging AI for personalized learning and flexible work arrangements will have a competitive edge in the talent market.
Addressing Skills Gaps Through Targeted Upskilling
As industries evolve with technological advancements, the demand for skills that align with innovation is increasing. The rise of AI and automation necessitates a workforce equipped with new tools to remain competitive. Despite the growing job opportunities for women in India—up 48% in 2025—there are still significant gaps in upskilling programs.
Nishchae Suri, Managing Director of Cornerstone OnDemand India, stresses the importance of investing in targeted upskilling programs for women to foster an inclusive and agile workforce. Chakraborty adds that many existing AI training programs do not address the specific challenges women face, such as a lack of mentors in tech and biased skill assessments. She advocates for the development of career acceleration programs that are accessible to all women, free from bias, and aligned with their work preferences.
The Future of Work: Building Resilience and Agility
To fully harness the potential of women in the workforce, organizations must prioritize flexible work models, structured career re-entry programs, and targeted learning and development initiatives. These strategies will empower women to navigate the future of work with resilience and agility. As companies continue to adapt to the changing landscape, fostering an inclusive environment will be essential for attracting and retaining female talent in a competitive job market.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.