Workplace, social enablers key to create sustained employment for women, says Avtar group study
economictimes.indiatimes.comCareer enablers such as flexi-timing and remote working play a crucial role in women’s workforce participation, a study by leading diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) solutions company Avtar group has said.
However, workplace enablers extended by employees alone cannot ensure women’s sustained employment; it requires significant investment from the city and state, as per the second edition of ‘Top Cities for Women in India (TCWI)’ index. The index ranks Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad as the top five cities for women in India. The scores are based on three parameters – social inclusion, industrial/workplace inclusion, and citizen experience (safety, etc).
Facilities for healthcare and wellbeing (self and family) including infrastructure like reliable agencies for hired help and mental health wellbeing hubs, skilling and educational opportunities, creche facilities including after-school childcare, and travel and mobility support play a key role in inclusion and long-term retention of women in the workforce, the findings showed.
“For women in the mid-career stage, who form a significant part of the study, flexible working remains the number one career enabler,” said Saundarya Rajesh, founder-president of Avtar group. “For early career women, upskilling opportunities are crucial. For women with business responsibilities, mentoring, sponsorship, and coaching are key to their sustained participation,” she said.
“Let us also acknowledge the fact that these enablers are provided against a backdrop of carehood – expectation of self-care support including period leaves and support during menopause is on the rise, while child-care support and
