- Ankita, from your perspective as a marketing and communications professional at KelpHR, how do you see the role of effective communication in promoting awareness and compliance with the PoSH Act among organizations?
In the realm of promoting awareness and compliance with the PoSH Act, emphasizing on awareness is the linchpin, and the art of effective communication serves as the beacon. It’s not just about conveying the message to your corporate teams and employees; it’s about reaching every corner of your workplace, embracing everyone from your valued employees to vendors, clients and the unsung heroes like security and housekeeping staff. Picture this: vibrant multilingual posters adorning the walls, engaging videos capturing attention, and newsletters that unfold like stories of empowerment. By weaving a tapestry of communication through various mediums, we ensure that everyone, irrespective of their language, is not only informed but feels safeguarded, contributing to a workplace culture that cherishes inclusivity, respect and safety for all.
- Could you share any personal experiences or insights from your career journey at KelpHR that have shaped your understanding of the importance of workplace culture and gender equality?
Returning after a career sabbatical made me appreciate the importance of a supportive workplace culture. At KelpHR, I’ve witnessed first-hand how a culture that values diverse experiences and backgrounds fosters a sense of belonging. It’s not just about gender equality on paper; it’s about creating an environment where everyone, irrespective of their career trajectory, feels valued and can contribute authentically.
- As a woman in a leadership role within the field of HR solutions, how do you navigate and advocate for gender equality initiatives within your organization and in client interactions?
I’ve found that sharing personal stories of overcoming challenges and embracing change resonates well-being both relatable and impactful. It’s not just about policies; it’s about inspiring a culture shift within and beyond KelpHR, showing that diverse career paths can also contribute to a richer, more innovative workplace. The emphasis is not solely on the journey taken to reach this point but on the resilience displayed in every battle fought along the way.
- What strategies have you found most effective in communicating the significance of Women’s Day and related initiatives, such as PoSH compliance, to both internal stakeholders and external audiences?
In effectively communicating the significance of Women’s Day and related initiatives, including PoSH compliance, at KelpHR, our approach is distinctive. We go beyond conventional discussions, embracing a range of initiatives such as the KelpHR PoSH Awards; our marquee event now in its 5th edition which recognizes workplaces exceeding mandated PoSH compliance. Our commitment also extends to Women’s Day celebrations, Pride month, and wellness programs.
Delving into conversations about biases, stereotypes, and daily micro-aggressions, our goal is to inspire inclusion and champion women. We also address mental health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining boundaries.
We take immense pride in our predominantly female team, with a significant number of women returnees. In our unique context, men are celebrated as valuable contributors.
To ensure effective communication, we strategically plan our calendar, highlighting key events for the year. Leading with our flagship events, actively participating in others with focused intent, all while meticulously managing budgets as a bootstrapped startup, our approach reinforces our commitment to these initiatives. This ensures that our messaging resonates authentically with both internal stakeholders and external audiences.
- How does your role as a marketing and communications professional align with KelpHR’s mission of creating safer, more inclusive, and productive workplaces for all?
In essence, my role goes beyond conventional marketing; it’s about crafting a narrative that reinforces KelpHR as a leader in promoting positive workplace environments, fostering inclusion, and inspiring a culture of diversity and respect in creating safe, inclusive and happy workplaces for all.
- Ankita, as someone deeply involved in promoting workplace inclusivity and addressing issues like sexual harassment, how do you ensure that your own workplace environment at KelpHR reflects these values?
At KelpHR, we continuously assess and enhance our internal practices to ensure that our workplace culture is supportive, respectful, and aligned with our values towards all employees. One crucial aspect of this commitment is reflected in our communication norms. We uphold a standard at KelpHR where all communication, be it internal or external, is expected to be conducted with respect towards every individual.
By setting these expectations for respectful communication, we aim to create an atmosphere where diverse voices are not only heard but also valued. This approach extends beyond policies; it is ingrained in our day-to-day interactions, contributing to a workplace where mutual respect is a cornerstone. In short – we practice what we preach!
- In your experience, how do organizations balance the need for compliance with the PoSH Act with the broader goal of fostering a culture of trust, respect, and open communication among employees?
In my experience, organizations should strive to cultivate an environment where policies serve as more than just rules; they should be viewed as tools to construct trust. It’s imperative to balance compliance with the PoSH Act by placing a strong emphasis on open communication and support, creating a workplace where everyone feels secure and appreciated. By integrating policies such as the Anti-Discrimination Policy, Gender Neutral Policy, and Anti-Corruption and Bribery Policy among others into the corporate governance framework, organizations demonstrate a dedication to fairness, equality, and ethical business practices. This not only ensures compliance but also contributes to fostering a culture of trust and sustainability among employees.
- As a woman leader in the field of HR solutions, how do you envision your role in shaping the future of workplace culture and gender equality, both within KelpHR and in the broader industry?
As a woman leader in HR solutions, my personal journey fuels my passion for shaping the future of workplace culture and gender equality. Having navigated a long career break and a change in career trajectory, I see my role as a catalyst for transformative change. Beyond proving the value of diverse paths, I aim to contribute to a workplace that is not only resilient but vibrant and dynamic. My aspiration is to serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that it’s never too late to embark on a new path and create a significant and positive impact.
