Canon India Private Limited (CIPL) is a leading company not just in imaging technologies but also for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Underpinning its corporate philosophy of ‘Kyosei’—living and working together for the common good—the Equal Opportunity Policy at Canon India represents a progressive step towards creating an inclusive and fair work environment for all its employees.
Understanding the Equal Opportunity Policy at Canon India
The Equal Opportunity Policy at Canon India revolves around the company’s deep-rooted belief in inclusivity. The policy ensures that every employee, regardless of race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation, has access to equal opportunities. This policy is a critical part of Canon India’s efforts to build a workplace where they do not merely embrace diversity. Instead, the aim is to promote it actively. The organisation aims to give everyone the tools they need to succeed.
Their DEI initiatives are structured to comply with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019. These laws form the backbone of Canon India’s framework. Moreover, the company has committed itself to providing a safe, inclusive, and enabling environment for all its employees.
Canon’s corporate philosophy and its impact on diversity
Canon India’s corporate philosophy, ‘Kyosei,’ meaning “living and working together into the future,” lays the foundation for its equal opportunity practices. This philosophy reflects a broader vision of coexistence. The focus is to ensure that employees are not just workers but members of a community united by respect and mutual support.
The company focuses its mid-term DEI strategy on improving gender diversity and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. This strategy is built around four main pillars—Hire, Sensitise, Develop, and Retain. These pillars guide the company’s initiatives to promote equal representation and develop talent. The company also ensures that employees from all walks of life feel valued and included.
Key initiatives supporting the Equal Opportunity Policy at Canon
1. Hiring for diversity and inclusion
Canon India is committed to increasing the representation of women and persons with disabilities in its workforce. The Equal Opportunity Policy ensures that during recruitment, candidates are not discriminated against based on gender, disability, or other personal characteristics. The focus is on talent and skill rather than fitting into traditional gender—or ability-based roles.
For example, the company ensures that it does not make gendered assumptions when filling roles. It challenges stereotypical notions like ‘female receptionist’ or ‘male sales representative.’ This deliberate effort helps build a workforce that truly represents different sections of society.
2. Accessibility and reasonable accommodations
Canon India’s workplace is designed to be barrier-free for all employees, especially for those with disabilities. The company provides accessible infrastructure. The infrastructure includes digital tools, transportation, gender-neutral washrooms, and well-planned access to buildings and parking areas.
To make work more comfortable for employees with disabilities, the company offers reasonable accommodations on a case-by-case basis. It ensures that everyone has what they need to perform their job effectively. From assistive devices to modifications in the workspace, Canon India takes tangible steps to support the participation of all employees.
3. Creating a supportive and safe work environment
Canon India strongly emphasises creating a safe and non-discriminatory work environment. The company’s zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and harassment is reflected in its internal policies. Employees can report grievances through a secure portal, ethicspoint.com, and have their concerns addressed through a dedicated internal committee. This ensures that all reported incidents are dealt with fairly and without bias.
The internal committee’s focus on handling grievances related to sexual harassment and discrimination shows that Canon India understands the importance of maintaining a workplace where everyone feels secure and valued.
4. Development and retention of talent
Canon India believes that diversity is a strength, and as such, it invests heavily in developing its employees. Regular sensitisation workshops and e-learning modules help educate staff about unconscious biases and the importance of inclusivity. This ensures that employees, regardless of their background, are empowered to thrive.
In addition, the company offers various leadership development programs, mentorship initiatives, and workshops. These programs aim at helping employees build the interpersonal, functional, and leadership skills needed for career advancement. Canon India is also keenly aware of the importance of retaining women and persons with disabilities. By analysing attrition trends and addressing unique challenges faced by these groups, the company works to create an environment where employees can grow and succeed.
5. Gender diversity and support for working parents
Canon’s commitment to gender diversity is embodied in its ‘WE@Canon’ program, which stands for Women Empowerment. This initiative is chaired by the President & CEO, with senior women leaders acting as advisors. It focuses on developing women leaders through coaching, mentoring, and leadership workshops. It addresses issues such as unconscious bias.
The company also supports working parents with policies that go beyond legal requirements. Mothers are offered flexible working options after their maternity leave. It allows them to transition back into the workforce smoothly. Fathers also get paternity leave and a near-site crèche facility. It helps parents balance their personal and professional lives.
Canon’s commitment to persons with disabilities
Canon India’s initiatives for persons with disabilities reflect the company’s strong commitment to creating an inclusive workplace. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 serves as a guideline for ensuring that employees with disabilities receive support through reasonable accommodations, assistive devices, and a barrier-free environment.
Moreover, Canon India maintains detailed records of employees with disabilities. The record includes the accommodations provided to them. It ensures that the company can track its progress and continue improving its DEI initiatives for this group.
A holistic approach to work-life balance and fair compensation
Canon India also takes pride in offering flexible working options. These options include hybrid/remote working, flexible timings, and a five-day workweek. This approach underscores the company’s belief in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for all employees. Additionally, Canon India ensures that compensation is based purely on merit. It also reflects Canon’s commitment to equal pay for equal work.
Final thoughts: A blueprint for the future
The Equal Opportunity Policy at Canon India is a shining example of how organisations can actively foster diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. By combining the principles of fairness, respect, and support, Canon has created an environment where employees of all genders, abilities, and backgrounds can thrive.
Canon’s commitment to DEI goes beyond words. Real, tangible actions are being implemented to create an inclusive and safe work environment. From gender-neutral facilities to leadership development programs, Canon India is not only embracing diversity but also setting a benchmark for other organisations to follow.
As more companies recognise the importance of DEI, Canon India’s holistic and thoughtful approach potently reminds us that true inclusion is not just about policies—it’s about building a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.
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 broadly define as 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.
