In India, there are about 30 million people with disabilities, and 13 million of them are employable. Yet, only 3.4 million have found work, either through government schemes or self-employment. When you look at the latest workforce data from Nifty 50 companies, it’s clear that disability inclusion is lagging. Only five out of 50 companies have more than 1% of people with disabilities on their payroll, and four of these are public sector companies. Disability inclusion at Godrej is an applaudable initiative that can inspire companies to create truly inclusive workplaces.
Clearly, disability inclusion is still a long journey ahead in India. Also, as shown by these figures, we’re missing out on a significant talent pool. However, companies like Godrej are beginning to change the narrative. By actively hiring people with disabilities, Godrej shows how inclusivity can be integrated into business practices. With more companies adopting similar approaches, there’s real potential to improve employment rates among people with disabilities.
Disability inclusion at Godrej: GCPL’s inclusive hiring initiative
Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL) recently hired people with disabilities for its new manufacturing plant in Thiruporur Taluk, Chengalpattu, near Chennai. In a hiring drive held in Chennai, 40 candidates with disabilities participated, and nine were selected. Seven of them have been offered roles in production, while two will join the administration team for quality checks.
GCPL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion doesn’t stop there. For their upcoming greenfield plants in Tamil Nadu, the company plans to employ at least 50% women and ensure that 5% of their workforce includes employees from the LGBT+ community and people with disabilities.
Sumit Mitra, Head of Group HR and Corporate Services at Godrej Industries and Godrej Consumer Products, said, “By empowering people with disabilities, we aim to bridge the gap to a more dignified and respectable life, reinforcing our commitment to building a more inclusive and dynamic workforce.“
This initiative is a key step in GCPL’s mission to create a workplace where everyone, regardless of background or ability, has equal opportunities. To back that up, their new factories will be fully equipped with the infrastructure and facilities for a safe working environment for everyone, including people with disabilities.
Godrej’s ‘Access/Ability’: A documentary on true inclusivity
To celebrate 2024 Disability Pride Month, Godrej Industries Group released a short documentary titled “Access/Ability.” The film highlights not only the barriers that people with disabilities (PwDs) face in recruitment and unconscious biases but also the challenges related to workplace accessibility.
The documentary shows how Godrej has employed PwDs in various roles. It features employees like Pravin Deshmukh, an operations staff member at Godrej Capital Thane with haemophilia, and Aseem Aggarwal, an HR professional at Godrej Capital who has dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. The documentary also has a sign language interpreter.
Disability inclusion at Godrej also extends to those with acquired disabilities due to accidents, injuries, or other issues. Pushkar Pendse, who works with Astec Life Sciences and is part of Godrej Agrovet, wasn’t always physically disabled. In the short film, he shares how, after his accident and years of rehabilitation, Godrej’s inclusive policies played a crucial role in helping him rebuild his professional life after his acquired disability.
Disability inclusion at Godrej: The understanding
Godrej Industries Group understands that disability isn’t always visible and that support should also reach those with non-visible disabilities. The reality is that two employees with the same disability can have very different experiences. That’s why Godrej’s “Access/Ability” initiative focuses on understanding and meeting the specific needs of each employee rather than generalising disabilities.
Larger washrooms are available to meet specific needs, lifts have braille buttons, and there are convenient work-from-home options. The workplace is designed with a range of accessibility features, including audio and visual aids, wheelchair ramps, and railings.
Parmesh Shahani, Head of the Godrej DEI Lab, said, “With ‘Access/Ability,’ we aim to show that true inclusivity goes beyond just physical adaptations, although those are essential. It’s about building a culture where everyone, regardless of their ability, feels valued and empowered to succeed. Through the DEI Lab and all our businesses, we hope to keep improving our infrastructure, policy, and culture of belonging in a way that means every individual feels welcomed at work.“
The final thoughts
The message here is clear. True inclusivity requires more than just physical accommodations. It’s about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered, no matter their disability. Godrej sets a valuable example by actively employing individuals with disabilities and creating an accessible work environment. As we look to the future, more companies could follow this example. Moreover, they must recognise the diverse talents and contributions of people with disabilities.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
