GROUP DIVERSITY COUNCIL At Mahindra, fostering Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is integral to our organizational values and practices. The Group Diversity Council plays a pivotal role in advancing D&I initiatives, utilizing a metrics-based scorecard to emphasize gender diversity while allowing flexibility for Mahindra’s Group Companies to address other facets of inclusion. Under our Equal Opportunity Policy, new hires are provided with tailored training programs to support their integration and success. Initiatives like the 'Speak Up' campaign raise awareness about the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), complemented by refresher modules facilitated by Ethics Counsellors. Additionally, Mahindra has implemented the Employee Resource Group (ERG) framework, aimed at promoting gender diversity and addressing unique individual and location-specific needs. ENABLING POLICIES At Mahindra, our recent revisions to HR policies have ensured alignment with modern workplace needs, offering robust support across multiple dimensions: Employee Benefits: From medical allowances to education assistance, mobile reimbursements, and sabbatical options, our policies aim to empower employees both professionally and personally. Family Benefits: To foster a supportive environment for families, we have introduced initiatives such as women’s travel safety policies, an extensive 5-year maternity support policy, and provisions for surrogacy, adoption, and IVF. FOCUSED HIRING Mahindra actively champions diversity in its hiring practices, working to attract, retain, and develop talent from underrepresented groups such as women, veterans, gig workers, and persons with disabilities. Gender diversity within technology and business operations remains a key focus area, supported by fair and inclusive recruitment processes. Key initiatives include: • Training for Hiring Managers: Through the 'Hire Right' program, we equip managers with tools and techniques to identify and eliminate biases in hiring decisions, fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. • Inclusive Job Descriptions: Leveraging AI-enhanced tools, we ensure job descriptions are free from biased language, emphasizing qualifications and skills to attract diverse applicants. • Equal Opportunities: Every applicant is provided a fair chance to succeed, irrespective of their background, ensuring a meritocratic hiring process where skills and talent are prioritized. • Incentivized Referrals: Our referral program offers an additional 25% incentive for female referrals, encouraging employees to bring diverse talent into the organization and broadening the talent pool. • SOAR Returnship Program: Programs such as 'SOAR' empower women re-entering the workforce, offering flexible opportunities and professional development to reignite their careers. • Expanding Networks: We actively collaborate with specialized agencies like Military2Corp for veterans, Flexing It for gig workers, and Wisdom Circle for retirees, widening our reach and connecting with diverse professional groups. While diversity and inclusion remain central to our hiring philosophy, merit and qualifications remain the foundation of all recruitment decisions. By prioritizing excellence, we create an environment where individuals can thrive based on their abilities, fostering a culture of fairness, empowerment, and innovation. Integrated Annual Report 2024-25 | 154
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