There was a time when it was believed that women were not as capable as men - either physically, mentally or emotionally. Women were recruited in organisations merely as sole representatives of their gender. Not so any more. There is no glass-ceiling for women in organisations. Their number may be limited at the top but going by the seriousness with which companies are ensuring diverse employee base, that day is not far when we'll see women at the helm of companies as a rule and not as an exception.
"Organisations do need to manage diversity which helps them build an inclusive environment that leverages the talents of all employees. It is a business imperative," feels Sateesh Chandra Babber, senior vice president and Head-HR, Global Indecomm Services. Bangalore is home to global as well as Indian IT players and is in touch with the latest HR trends practised in the world.
The emphasis on diversity is so huge in several companies that it's on the goals-sheet of not only the HR leader but also the top management. "Women by their inherent multitasking skills have a force multiplier effect in any organisation. Add to this a woman's perspective and you have a winning combination," says Ruchi Gopal, a senior HR consultant.
Organisations have recognised this fact and are learning to treat women as the equals of men and not as a pool of potential dates.
An interesting facet on diversity was highlighted by Suhasini Arikere, who says, "Why talk of contemporary IT companies? I know of manufacturing companies which deliberately hire more women because it serves two purposes. Firstly, women are more disciplined and less trouble makers than men. Secondly, men behave in a restrained manner if there are women colleagues around."
Companies are not opting for diversity either to do social service or as any favour to women. It is the manner in which the women employees have manifested their talent, commitment and have added value to their profession that they've become an asset.
``Greater gender diversity helps with an expanded talent pool and the long term success of any organisation calls for a diverse body of talent that can bring fresh ideas, perspective and views to their work,'' opined Barnali Bhattacharya, a HR professional.
As we celebrate women's day, let the message be loud and clear that women don't want special schemes, or the kind of treatment that smacks of tokenism. They want access to the kind of roles they deserve, and to work in an environment that allows them to reach their highest potential.
