JetSynthesys’ Inclusional, National Commission for Women (NCW) conduct a workshop for corporates on ‘POSH beyond compliance’

~ The workshop addressed best practices for an efficient and effective legal and compliance process, along with presenting workplace safety tools, legal compliances, and strategies for establishing and maintaining diversity & inclusion initiatives in corporate environments ~

~ The workshop commemorated the 10th anniversary of the ‘Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act and was enabled and inaugurated by. Shri Mangesh Jadhav, Registrar of Companies, Pune ~

~ Guest speaker Ms. Ankita Ray, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas covered the legal and compliance aspects of the law. The event was supported by the Persistent Foundation and was hosted at their Hinjewadi facility ~

Inclusional, Jet Social Impact – a tech-enabled, diversity, inclusion and belonging (DIB) boutique consultancy, from the house of JetSynthesys – successfully delivered the ‘POSH beyond compliance’ workshop in Pune on 2nd February. As POSH Knowledge Partners of the National Commission for Women (NCW), the team trains Government of India employees, curates social media campaigns for the NCW and facilitates workshops for corporates in West and South India: with the aim to create awareness for workplace safety and improve good compliance.

Held at Persistent Foundation’s Hinjewadi facility, the workshop comprehensively addressed best practices for an efficient and effective legal and compliance process, along with presenting workplace safety tools, legal compliances, and strategies for establishing and maintaining diversity & inclusion initiatives in corporate environments. The workshop also covered legal best practices, by Ankita Ray, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.

Mr. Rajan Navani, Founder CEO of JetSynthesys said, “We launched Inclusional under Jet Social Impact with an aim to champion significant social causes including the POSH Act. By nurturing diversity and empowering every individual, we not only enrich our workplaces but also contribute to a more harmonious society, where every voice matters and every person thrives. We are happy to collaborate with the NCW and look forward to bringing more such conversations to the forefront.” 

December 2023 marked the 10th anniversary year of the POSH Act. The workshop shared data and insights on the significance of this law beyond mandatory compliance. The session highlighted the business case for POSH: getting higher RoI from compliance (P&L, ESG, GDP, Brand etc) and breaking the myth that the law favours any one particular gender.  

Shri Mangesh Jadhav, Registrar of Companies (RoC), Pune, in his nuanced and impactful inaugural address stressed on the dichotomy of our culture and the ensuing challenges for Indian women: from getting an education to finding financial independence through employment.  He stressed on the critical importance of safe workplaces as a means to ensure more women find financial independence.  He reiterated that as a nation, we cannot grow at the rate we can and aspire to if we did not find ways to safely include more and more women in the workforce, further adding that having diverse views at work makes room for innovation as well. Monitoring posh compliance and tightening it as required is therefore an importance focus area for the regulators and his team.   

Jayant Konde, Chief Administrator Officer, Persistent Systems said, “I recognise that diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but integral components of a thriving workplace. Embracing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive culture sparks innovation and resilience. We uphold the principles of the POSH Act, ensuring a safe and respectful workplace for all. At Persistent, we are committed to equal pay and equal treatment, fostering an environment where every individual’s contribution is valued, irrespective of gender or background.”

Ms. Priyanka Agrawal, Head of JetSynthesys’ Inclusional, emphasized on the importance of promoting workplace safety and legal compliance and said, “At Inclusional, we believe in substance over form. The POSH Act covers the very basic need for safety and thus extends beyond just one gender. Workplace safety has a direct positive correlation with productive, motivated, high performing teams.  Unless everyone feels physically and psychologically safe at work, all other inclusion investments will not yield desired returns/results.  The bias that it favours one gender shows lack of awareness and/or poor implementation of the law; that is the narrative we hope to change, at scale using tech. Extremely grateful that the NCW considered us worthy of this partnership.”

The event was attended by about 350 participants across diverse sectors, from companies such as Persistent Systems, Bajaj Finserv, Dassault Systemes, Emcure Pharma, FashionKing Brands, Faurecia, Franke Faber, Fujitsu, Galderma, Intellisecure Japalouppe, Kirloskar Pneumatic, Konecranes and Demag, KPIT Technologies, Malaka Spice, MAN Truck & Bus, Niramaya Hospitals, Orchid Hotel, Primus Techsystems, Sahyadri Hospitals, Schaeffler India, Shemaroo Entertainment, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, United Crane, Varroc Engineering, Veritas Technologies, Walter Tools, Whirlpool, Wipro, Yewale group among others.

Trade associations like NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), SEAP (Software Exporters’ Association of Pune), HRIA (HR Infotech Association), HIA (Hinjewadi Industries Association), IACC (Indo-American Chambers of Commerce), OPPI (The Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India), RAI (Retailers Association of India), IDMA (Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association), IPA (Indian Pharmaceutical Association), EEMA (Event and Entertainment Management Association), extended their whole-hearted support to this event by inviting their members for which Inclusional, Jet Social Impact extended their sincere thanks and gratitude.  

So far, the Mumbai and Bengaluru chapters of this workshop have received excellent feedback, from corporates across the country, highlighting the compelling business case for workplace safety, sharing best practices, and showcasing efficient strategies to derive enhanced value from mandatory annual compliance. The recent news around POSH, ensuing tightening by courts and regulators, and proposed amendments to the law indicate that this crucial agenda is back in the spotlight. With a concerted focus on this domain, JetSynthesys, Inclusional, and the NCW will continue to host meaningful sessions, highlighting the increasing need for a safer and more inclusive workplace.